Cargo Damages

Cargo damages due to rough handling by stevedoring companies – Alexandria.

A high percentage of cargo claims at Alexandria port are attributed to rough handling by stevedoring companies during discharge operations.

This is mainly due to the shortage of suitable stevedoring equipment and lack of professionalism.

At the time, the shipowner is still obliged to ensure that what has been put on board the vessel at the load port must be delivered in the same sound condition at the discharge port especially if a clean bill of lading was involved. It is a duty to ensure that the cargo is not lost, damaged or changed in character in any way.

At these situations, it is highly recommended that a shipowner (or their local shipping agent) is to have a form of a stevedoring liability understanding or in other words a contract or agreement with the stevedoring company in which a statement is inserted to clarify the damage, loss liabilities of the stevedores.

In addition, in any event of damage, loss of cargo or damage to the vessel itself, a police verbal process is to be issued immediately at the scene of the incident (berth) proving the incident itself identifying the liable party, extent of damage together with the attendance of a competent surveyor to report on the or vessel damage.

This will reserve members rights in claiming back against the responsible stevedore for any cargo damages.

Until recently, only public sector stevedoring was available in Egypt but the private sector is now also allowed to carry out such work. Some stevedores are insured for third party liability claims.