January 1977 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News

Saudi Arabia Bars Old Ships From Ports To Reduce Congestion

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has notified shipowners, charterers, shipping agencies, etc., that "No vessel which is more than 15 years old as of December 1, 1976, and having commenced the loading of cargo for Saudi Arabia on or after December 1, 1976, which date will be determined by the date of the first bill of lading issued for a Saudi Arabian port, will be permitted to discharge cargo at a Saudi Arabian port." This notice was issued and published in newspapers by the National Ports Authority of Saudi Arabia.

This action was taken in an effort to ease port congestion.

The Saudi Arabian government felt that vessels over 15 years old lacked modern cargo-handling equipment, and this put an extra burden on the ports of discharge.

This regulation does include an exception, which basically allows for use of older vessels if "the vessel is cargo-worthy in every respect, and that the deck machinery is adequate to meet the standard of discharge in the port of Saudi Arabia. This exemption can be granted only by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabian ports after a special survey by a Saudi Arabian-approved surveyor.

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