Wednesday, 3rd March 2010
The Newcastle Port Corporation (NPC) in New South Wales, Australia commenced a phased introduction of new "Vessel Arrival System Rules" on 1 February 2010. Introduced as part of a trial, the rules are intended to regulate the manner and order in which vessels will be permitted to enter the port.
Taking full effect from 1 May 2010, the new rules are designed to limit the number of ships at anchor by restricting waiting time at the port to 48 hours prior to loading.
Vessels will be required to obtain pre-entry authorisation not less than 14 days before arrival and will be allocated a 10 day notified arrival time. An initial estimated time of loading will also be given and the vessel must use all reasonable endeavours to arrive in the port vicinity not more than 48 hours before anticipated loading.
Vessels failing to comply with, or anchoring in contravention of the regulations will lose their place in the queue.
Click here for a copy of the rules.
It has been reported by the UK Chamber of Shipping that the content of the new rules is not entirely clear and creates scope for dispute about the practical application of the requirements.
Other concerns currently being discussed include navigational issues if ships are prohibited from anchoring in the waiting area and likely commercial implications. In particular, how restrictions on waiting off the port will impact on the "arrived ship" concept, giving Notice of Readiness, time counting and any demurrage otherwise due.