As you know, there are frequent disputes between the Shipowner and the Charterers regarding sea trial cost prior to transit of Suez Canal for specific ship.
Apart from disputes between Owners and Charterers regarding sea trial cost, please refer the concerned rules for sea trials before transit of Suez Canal.
The Rules of Navigation of the Suez Canal include the following article concerning Trial Charges:
Article 102 - Trial Charge
Trials may be requested by SCA before entering the canal or resuming transit for any of the following reasons.
- Safety of Navigation
- Vessel's first transit to the Suez Canal
- Vessel's first transit to the Suez Canal with draft over 50feet
...
- A charge of (1000 U.S. Dollars) is to be paid by the vessels of 900 SC N.T. or more for each pilot or canal expert for each trial
Art. 53 - Conditions of Transit:
- Vessels allowed to transit with a draught over 50 feet up to 66 feet must, for the first passage, effectuate successful sea trial before entering the Canal either at Suez or Port Said Roads.
- Sister ships shall not benefit from authorization granted to a particular ship of the group.
BIMCO states their opinion as follows.
For the ships transiting with a draft less than 50 feet, the rules do not specify that it is for “the first transit” or “only for the first transit” the trial may be conducted. It appears to be much more open than that and rather be related to the “safety of navigation”. It appears to be a wider range of ships that may undergo these trials (in addition to the first transit).
SCA Rules of Navigation
https://www.suezcanal.gov.eg/English/Navigation/Pages/RulesOfNavigation.aspx
Refer the following BIMCO news.
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