Discharging bulk cargoes (sugar, zinc/lead concentrate) at Novorossiysk port
The procedure of discharging bulk cargoes (i.e. raw sugar, zinc
concentrate, etc.) at Novorossiysk is as follows.
The cargo is discharged into r. w. wagons by port stevedores by means of
grabs, which are not maintained well. The discharging is carried out
very carelessly what results in considerable cargo spillage on a pier,
vessel’s deck and in the sea water. On completion of discharging Statement-Notice and General-Statement are
issued by Port Authority grounding on the results of the cargo re-weighing on
port scale performed in the course of discharging. These official documents
indicate the actual quantity of cargo accepted by the port/cargo receivers.
Due to the inaccuracy of port scale, incorrect manner of re-weighing
provided by the port, as the wagons are weighed without disconnecting, and due
to spillage, the cargo shortage in aggregate may amount to 1-1,5 % of total
quantity of the cargo.
Our experience that we have gained for the last 4 years vividly shows the
current tendency at Novorossiysk port - there has never been surplus while
discharging sugar in bulk, and usual amount of shortage claimed by cargo
receivers achieved 100-150 mts.
Such official figures of shortage given in the General-Statement and the
Statement-Notice enable the cargo receivers to lodge shortage claims against
shipowners.
For
efficient protection of shipowner’s interests it’s necessary to appoint a
competent surveyor who would conduct initial and final draft survey, perform
clean holds inspection, and render assistance to the Master in proper signing
Statement-Notice. The above is within the scope
of services provided by our company.
09-10-2003