• IMO - Circular 01/07/20
• European Commission - coronavirus response
• Observatory on Border Crossings Status due to COVID-19

• Port Skills and Safety - NHS Test & Trace and key Workers at UK Ports
• FTA Circular 12-20 UAE Maritime Protocol
• UAE Maritime Activities Return to Work Safely Protocol
• Port Skills and Safety
• Hill Dickinson - UK ports and coronavirus
• FAO - COVID-19 resources
• ICC - Force Majeure clauses in commercial contracts
• BIFA guidance
• European Shippers Council guidance
• World Ports COVID-19 Information Portal
• IAPH COVID-19 related port updates
• World shipping council COVID-19 resources
• International Chamber of Shipping resources
• Port Skills and Safety - latest information on COVID-19
• BIMCO - COVID-19 guidelines for office workspaces
• Healthy Gateways advice

• Road Haulage Association updates
  
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Essential advice for HGV drivers

• IAPH-WPSP Port Economic Impact Barometer Half Year Report
• COVID-19 dashboard
  
• FT - Coronavirus tracked
  
• IG P&I - COVID-19 restrictions - online tracker
  
• Wilhelmsen - COVID-19 Global Port Restrictions Map

Some have been heavily affected by these unprecedented circumstances. If you'd like to help, here are some causes supporting those in need: 

• The Mission to Seafarers: Global Champions Unite 
  
• Emergency Funding for Developing World Seafarers
  
• Masks for NHS Heroes

Each claim issue be assessed on its individual merits. The applicable contract should be reviewed to understand what your obligations are with regard to meeting delivery dates. In most cases, provided that they are sufficiently incorporated, terms under the applicable bill of lading or STC's should contain a clause providing protection with regard to delay of shipments in transit.

It is recommended that stakeholders actively seek open lines of communication with customers at an early stage to provide transparency in relation to potential delays and issues in transit in order to set realistic expectations and address any specific operational challenges which may be caused by a delayed delivery.

"Courier services we ordinarily use to ensure that original documents (bills of lading) arrive with the consignee in a timely manner are not always available. Cargo has arrived at the destination port, but we are unable to release against the original bill of lading where we cannot physically get the document to the correct party. What are my options?"

This challenge is likely to become frequent during this period in certain jurisdictions, depending on how extreme the mandated lockdown is enforced and the precise manner of release at the destination port. Where there is no reasonably practicable means of ensuring that the original documents reach the intended recipient in order to release the cargo at the port of discharge, all interested parties (including banks where a letter of credit is involved) should explore the options and mutually agree on an acceptable solution.

Potential problems arise in this scenario because of the unique role played by a bill of lading in determining ownership of the cargo. Delivery to a party not holding an original bill of lading is effectively a breach of contract. If cargo is released to a party without an original bill of lading, the rightful owner and holder of the original bill of lading could later demand delivery of the cargo. In such circumstances, the legal holder of the bill of lading can sue the carrier, or the party who has wrongfully delivered the cargo. The legal holder of the bill of lading could be the shipper, the receiver, a bank, or another party to whom the bill of lading has been negotiated.

It is vital to identify the rightful holder of the bill of lading and that obtain their express permission to release the cargo. This could, for instance, involve agreement to accept a defaced/endorsed electronic scanned copy of the original bill of lading with a commitment to collect the original documents when possible to do so. A letter of indemnity (LOI) is another option, but it is likely that similar challenges around obtaining the original copy of an LOI will be faced.

Given the potential exposures, releasing cargo without the original bill of lading should happen only in exceptional circumstances. Carriers, NVOCs and forwarders are urged to implement appropriate processes and controls. Do not allow a temporarily agreed practice to become an accepted norm.

Social distancing practices mandated by many governments and/or adopted by consignees may prove problematic when it comes to having delivery paperwork signed. Whilst practicing good hygiene, it may still be possible to leave the paperwork in a defined location/desk with the person in charge at the delivery point and they sign it and allow the driver to collect it once the they have vacated the area. Alternatively, it may be possible to have the proof of delivery signed by the delivery point, scanned and emailed. Similarly, delivery paperwork could be emailed to the consignee ahead of the delivery (rather than taken by the driver), enabling the consignee to arrange for the proof of delivery to be signed, scanned and returned electronically.

Taking no action to obtain a proof of delivery should be avoided where ever practicable. Engagement with national industry associations is recommended to understand whether accepted alternative practices have been adopted/agreed.

This is a commercial decision for each stakeholder to consider. Stakeholders should be mindful of regional operational challenges, applicable restrictions and governmental directions and plan accordingly. Where possible, setting expectations with customers at the outset would be prudent to avoid commercial friction in the event that issues are experienced.

Where new customers are concerned, stakeholders should have robust due diligence processes in place and ensure that these processes are rigorously maintained.

There is arguably a heightened importance in ensuring that STC's are sufficiently incorporated into all new service or transport contracts. Equally, review contractual conditions to ensure that your business is able to deliver the required level of performance in the current circumstances.

Stakeholders are likely to face a number of associated challenges as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak and each business will face unique issues to satisfy their operational requirements. Consider the following suggestions:

• Restructuring of operational teams
• Ensuring those with specific skills are spread over different shifts to provide cover
• Alternating shift patterns
• Working with labour pools to ensure that temporary workers are sufficiently trained and qualified to join the workforce when required
• Increasing the number of ‘tool box’ talks to highlight and address topical issues (consider undertaking these over video conference to avoid the need to meet physically)
• Planning increased time for shift changeovers to allow for additional cleaning or sanitising of equipment

Stakeholders should remain mindful that this period is likely to be finite and therefore should develop a robust plan to return operations to “normal” protocol once able to do so.

“Where shipments accumulate at the final port of discharge, to mitigate costs exposure, we are considering unloading cargo from the container into a local warehouse, pending final delivery. Need I be concerned about the termination of any applicable cargo insurance policy? What are the primary considerations?"

There is a potential issue where cargo is unpacked from the container/CTU prior to the destination named on the cargo certificate of insurance (COI). The duration clause under Institute Cargo Clauses (A) and (C) policies provides that cover will terminate “on completion of unloading from the carrying vehicle or other conveyance in or at any other warehouse or place of storage, whether prior to or at the destination named in the contract of insurance, which the Assured or their employees elect to use either for storage other than in the ordinary course of transit or for allocation or distribution” (clause 8.1.2). In such circumstances, where cargo is unloaded from the carrying vehicle at a location other than the named destination, there is a risk that cover will terminate.

This could give rise to a situation where a the cargo insurance has ceased whilst the given cargo remains in temporary storage, is subsequently loaded on to a vehicle and completes the final mile delivery to the consignee.

Management controls must be maintained to monitor arrivals closely. Note that the port/terminal/freight forwarder might not have sight or knowledge of the cargo insurance contract, in which case communication with your customers (cargo interests) regarding delays and decisions to unload cargo into temporary warehousing will be of importance.

*It would be prudent for logistics operators to communicate with their customers, highlighting these potential risks and encouraging them to consult with their cargo insurer/broker. Alternatively, for further information please visit ttclubforwarders.com or contact us at underwriters@ttclubforwarders.com for further information.

“Where shipments accumulate at the final port of discharge, need I be concerned about the termination of any applicable cargo insurance policy? What are the primary considerations?"

There is a potential issue where cargo arrives at the final port of discharge and the destination named on the cargo certificate of insurance (COI) shows an inland address. For example, the final port of discharge is Southampton, UK and the destination on the COI is shown as Swindon, UK. The duration clause under Institute Cargo Clauses (A) and (C) policies provides that cover will terminate “on the expiry of 60 days after completion of discharge overside of the subject-matter insured from the oversea vessel at the final port of discharge” (clause 8.1.4). In such circumstances, where cargo remains in temporary storage at the final port of discharge, on the expiry of 60 days, cover will terminate.

This could give rise to a situation where a given cargo remains in storage and subsequently ceases to be covered and delivery to the consignee is also made in the absence of cargo insurance cover.

Management controls must be maintained to monitor arrivals closely. Note that the port/terminal/freight forwarder might not have sight or knowledge of the cargo insurance contract, in which case communication with your customers (cargo interests) regarding delays will be of importance.

It would be prudent for logistics operators to communicate with their customers, highlighting these potential risks and encouraging them to consult with their cargo insurer/broker. Alternatively, for further information please visit ttclubforwarders.com or contact us at underwriters@ttclubforwarders.com for further information.

The terms of most bills of lading have substantial commonality and are linked to generally well-established statutory or case-law principles. As a result, while it is, in any event, good practice to review your bill of lading wording periodically to ensure that it remains relevant and fit for purpose, this may not be an immediate priority.In many instances, your bill of lading terms will have been drawn from an industry association model (such as FIATA or BIMCO), in which case you should liaise with the appropriate body in relation to an review process. Further, you should seek independent legal advice.

Stakeholders should remember that notwithstanding any other concerns, bills of lading will incorporate national and international law that will often be mandatorily applicable and paramount, particularly in relation to events that may exempt the carrier from liability, including force majeure provisions.

It is likely that your existing STC’s have adequately served to define and protect your business for many years. There may be no immediate requirement, in light of the COVID-19 outbreak, to undertake a wholesale review of your conditions. However, it is, in any event, good practice to review STC’s periodically to ensure that they remain relevant and fit for purpose.

Those wishing to review and potentially amend their existing STC’s, taking account of issues arising from or in relation to the pandemic, should seek independent legal advice and could consider the following:

• Bolstering existing clauses around delay to shipments.
• Including a more detailed force majeure clause, which explicitly refers to epidemic, pandemic and quarantine. (Where force majeure clauses are concerned, stakeholders should remain mindful of jurisdictional requirements).
• In many instances, stakeholders may have adopted model conditions provided by an industry organisation (such as a national forwarding association); where this is the case, liaise with that organisation.
  
  

Whenever you make changes to your STC’s, you must ensure that the new version is sufficiently incorporated into all your relevant contractual arrangements. By not doing so you risk uncertainty in the event of a claim arising. Read more here about incorporating STC's.

In the event that you decide to amend your STCs and/or your bill of lading terms, you should obtain independent legal advice in the applicable jurisdiction(s) to ensure that any amended clauses are reasonable, enforceable and will serve the intended purpose.

Stakeholders are likely to face challenges if attempting to include blanket disclaimers for all/any costs relating to COVID-19. From a practical perspective, trading partners and customers are likely to face resistance to such clauses.

Whenever you make changes to your STCs, you must ensure that the new version is sufficiently incorporated into all relevant contractual arrangements. By not doing so you risk uncertainty in the event of a claim arising. Read more about successfully incorporating STCs here. 

For a force majeure defence to succeed, the party seeking to rely upon the defence has the burden of proof to demonstrate that the event is beyond or outside the control of a contracting party and prevents that party from performing its obligations under the contract.

English law does not define the concept of force majeure, a specific clause therefore must be included in the terms of the contract, which is itself sufficiently incorporated for the service or transactions in question. In some jurisdictions the concept of force majeure is expressly recognised, in which case there will generally be clearly defined requirements to be met for force majeure to apply. Under English law, it would depend on the contract wording, thereafter verifying that the circumstances have given rise to a force majeure event within the scope of the contractual wording. The applicability of the defence will be fact specific in each case. The party seeking to use a force majeure defence must also be able to demonstrate that they have explored/taken all reasonable steps to avoid/mitigate the associated loss.

Whether quarantines or restrictions related to COVID-19 constitute force majeure will depend on the wording used in the contract. For example, if a contract defines force majeure as "An Act of God" and the proximate cause of the presented claim is a voluntary work from home or quarantine directive, then the circumstances may not fall within the force majeure definition. However, if the force majeure clause specifically includes reference to for example "pandemic", there would be a stronger argument for a force majeure defence.

Stakeholders should not simply assume that there is a blanket defence to claims under force majeure. It is recommended that legal advice is sought in the applicable jurisdiction for individual cases whereby a stakeholder is considering a declaration of force majeure.

“Several of my shipments have remained uncollected at the port of discharge beyond the free time allowed. I am now being approached by the shipping line with potential demurrage and detention charges which are escalating with each passing day. What action should I take?”

The shipping line is likely to be contractually able to recover such costs. In all instances, you should review daily fee tariffs to ensure that you are aware of the costs that may be accruing. Close communication with both the shipping line and your customer is vital in managing this situation.

Whilst each occurrence will have to be assessed on its own merits, options should be explored to minimise the accumulating costs. This may involve calculating the ongoing daily demurrage and detention rates compared with the value of the cargo and potential local warehouse storage charges. It may be agreeable and more cost effective to arrange for the cargo to be transported and discharged into a local warehouse facility, where available, until mandated lockdown restrictions are lifted.

Abandonment of cargo has long been a challenge for the industry, typically concerning low value cargoes such as waste, although also arising in other ways, such as through payment issues between buyers and sellers. The current circumstances could serve to increase the number of instances, particularly where the consignee is physically unable to collect their cargo for an extended period.

Stakeholders should in any event have sound record keeping and management controls in place to monitor the arrival, clearance and collection of cargo at destination. During the current period, increased focus should be given to enforcing these processes so that issues can be identified at the earliest opportunity. The general guidance is to act without delay as soon as the situation is manifesting.

Where liability is concerned, the first step will be to establish your contractual position regarding the shipment, particularly whether you were acting as "agent only" for the shipper, in which case you may be able to avoid liability. If you have contracted directly with the shipping line and issued a house bill of lading (therefore appear on the master bill of lading as shipper) then you are likely to have a contractual liability towards the shipping line for any associated costs.

Stakeholders should identify and communicate with the shipper/consignee/rightful owner of the cargo to seek immediate instructions and explore options to mitigate the accumulating costs and thus avoid abandonment. There may be viable options, for example, to move the cargo to a more cost effective storage place, devan the cargo into a warehouse or re-export the cargo. Note that the cargo owner may not have a sound understanding of the available options. If all options have been exhausted without resolution, it may be possible to apply to a court for directions, including possibly destroying the cargo in order to cease the accumulating costs. Much will depend on the nature and value of the cargo; local legal advice may need to be sought.

It is prudent to ensure that records of all correspondence are collated and that, where possible, written instructions are received from the rightful owner of the cargo stating their intention to abandon the cargo, for example.

If the rightful cargo owner is unwilling to enter into meaningful discussions, you may be able to explore options to exercise a lien over the cargo to facilitate a local sale and recover your costs - provided your STC's have been sufficiently incorporated. Of course, the shipping line may also have this option under the master bill of lading; stakeholders should remain in close contact with the shipping line to understand how they are handling the matter. It is important to seek to maintain open and transparent communications with all counter-parties - proactivity is generally likely to lead to less costly resolution overall.

It may be prudent to involve local expertise at the discharge port to assist with facilitating the onward movement, sale, storage or destruction of the cargo. Where liens are concerned (sale/destruction of cargo), we suggest obtaining legal advice to ensure that it is not possible for the rightful owner to bring a claim against you subsequently.

“My business has a number of container shipments accumulating at various ports globally. Stakeholders handling these containers are taking various steps to mitigate costs including off-docking units to local container freight stations. I am conscious that there is no defined period by which these units will move and whilst they remain in the care, custody and control of a third party, we have little control over the safety and security of the cargo.”

Wherever practicable stakeholders should remain vigilant where delays occur and cargo (containerised or otherwise) is placed into temporary storage. There are a number of potential risk exposures which may be increased through a period of on or off-dock temporary storage including theft/pilferage, safety (for example, volatile commodities), integrity (where products have a limited shelf life) and exposure to water. Notwithstanding the above there is also a risk associated with the practicalities of having to keep track of multiple shipments in terms of the exact location, status, release and delivery.

Where possible, stakeholders should ensure that detailed records are maintained of all shipments. If access is allowed, it may be prudent (especially for higher value cargoes) to appoint an independent surveyor to inspect the container(s) to ensure that it remains sealed, secure and stowed in a position to avoid exposure to any particular hazard.

Understanding from your contractual partners exactly who has care, custody and control of the cargo is of importance in managing risk. Where the decision regarding the placement of the cargo for temporary storage rests with your business, effective due diligence and management controls will assist in managing risk.

Be aware also that cargo that becomes ‘stuck’ in the supply chain may also be susceptible to being abandoned. Stakeholders should maintain regular contact with cargo interests to a) keep them aware of accruing storage costs and b) seek regular updates in respect of cargo interests’ intentions to take delivery of goods.

“Whilst my operations continue under government guidance, I am mindful of the need to provide a safe working environment for staff and others, including such things as adhering to the recommended social distancing. What are the primary areas of focus to be considered?”

There are a number of primary measures that stakeholders can take to ensure the protection of staff and others in the workplace. Whilst not exhaustive, the below list could be considered.

• Increase workspace to enable all affected people to maintain recommended social distancing
• Provide access to hand sanitisers and sufficient hand washing facilities
• Ensure that there is sufficient time during shift changeovers to allow for additional cleaning or sanitising of equipment
• Open communication with staff is critical to address their concerns and ensure that they are sufficiently able to undertake their roles safely
• Provide access to and generally promote relevant governmental guidance
• Monitor the health and wellbeing of staff and, where possible, provide health screening
• Consider what support may be appropriate for staff who are identified as vulnerable
• Ensure staff are able to work remotely (IT provision), where appropriate, and consider guidance that may support safety and well-being
• Review internal control procedures to ensure application in relation to staff are working remotely, revising and providing instruction/training as appropriate, and monitoring compliance and expected outcomes

Actions will vary from operation to operation. Governmental mandates will inevitably differ and stakeholders will need to remain in close contact with the local authorities to ensure they meet such requirements.

Subject to specific requirements and applicable regulations, stakeholders may consider implementing health screening and restricting access to crew or others arriving at the port facility. Communication with your customers, especially those shipping lines who ordinarily use your facility to undertake crew changeovers, is essential to evaluate available options.

The availability and provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) should be considered. If stakeholders elect to adopt policies of wearing PPE, note that training may be necessary to ensure that it is fitted correctly and adherence to policies is monitored. Stakeholders may consider facilitating access to medical/quarantine facilities for any person showing symptoms, whether onsite or otherwise.

In the absence of a government mandate, it would be prudent for stakeholders to review their standard terms and conditions (STC's) along with individual contracts to understand how implementing such practices might affect their ability to satisfy their contractual obligations.

"In response to local Government and World Health Organization (WHO) advice many businesses within the logistics sector globally have either temporarily closed their premises to trade and/or facilitated their workforce to be able to work remotely, therefore leaving their premises unoccupied. What are the primary considerations for business owners?"

There are a number of considerations business owners should explore where premises are closed and are likely to remain unoccupied for a period of time. Depending on the ownership of the premises, there may be several entities who need to be informed, including landlords and insurers.

It is recommended that you refer to our TT Talk article on unnocupied premises for discussion of this issue and the related checklist.

“My operations could benefit from a relaxation of enforcement of certain regulations. I am mindful of the importance to ensure that safety and security standards are maintained. What are the primary areas of focus to be considered?”

A number of regulators have offered relaxations regarding enforcement, including periodic maintenance schedules. In Europe, for example, there is a period of relaxation of drivers' hours rules and certain training requirements. These relaxations intend to provide short-term relief to supply chain stakeholders to overcome some of the current operational challenges, facilitating the continued delivery of critical goods and services.

Stakeholders should exercise increased vigilance regarding any applicable relaxations and remain in close contact with the relevant regulators to ensure they remain compliant. Whilst strict enforcement may be relaxed, stakeholders will continue to have a duty of care towards other stakeholders and the general public.

Further, it should be recognised that such relaxations relate mainly to inability to complete actions, such as inspections, that rely on third parties who may not be able to carry out their normal functions at present. Stakeholders are strongly recommended to maintain compliance wherever practicable, particularly where safety might be compromised. Be mindful that regulations are often framed to check that particular actions have been completed, most of which merely reflect good, safe and secure practices.

Ensure that there is appropriate documentation to evidence any amendment to internal procedures and safety controls, whether or not related to regulatory compliance. Remember that most, if not all, such matters will need to be reinstated at some point. For the most part, all such changes should be determined at board/management level, with clear expectations communicated to all personnel.

COVID-19 has impacted businesses differently. Some have had an adverse effect of reduced or stopped operations. Some have had minimal disruption or have had increased operations. Inevitably, any fluctuation in revenue, not to mention workforce disruption due to the pandemic, will put pressure on keeping up with equipment and other asset maintenance plans.

TT Club would urge you to see trade fluctuations as a great opportunity to catch up on any maintenance backlog, as well as keep on top of any defined programme. Further, consider taking advantage of any period of lower utilisation to undertake routine preventative maintenance on otherwise high use equipment.

Maintenance of handling equipment should remain of paramount importance through this period, regardless of a reduction in utilisation. Many of the associated assets are high in monetary value as well as being critical to the infrastructure of the operation.

It may be possible to extend the period between planned maintenance, provided applicable regulations are met and management controls remain in place to ensure that equipment is adequately maintained. Remember that deferring maintenance, for whatever reason, increases the likelihood of equipment breakdown, with consequent reputational risk, as well as injuries, damage and business disruption. It has also been shown that to return equipment to reliable operations can be three to four times more costly compared to any savings from reduced maintenance.

Whatever the situation, it is important to remember the importance of maintenance. A publication titled “The Importance of Maintenance – a handbook for non-engineers” from TT Club, in association with ICHCA International and the Port Equipment Manufacturers Association (PEMA) draws together years of experience to help port businesses strengthen their asset management and enhance safety through improved maintenance.