货物熏蒸作业：通风还是不通风？
来源：北英保赔协会@2019.3.8
协会了解到若干索赔案件：船舶在美国装载谷物，随后在船上对谷物进行熏蒸，但航行过程中发现谷物发生霉变。各案中，索赔人均主张货物造成损失的原因是船舶在航行过程中没有对货物进行通风。
经调查发现，船东收到了关于货舱熏蒸和通风的相互矛盾的指示。
相互矛盾的指示
在美国，美国农业部（USDA）发布熏蒸指南。在“Fumigant Application Methods and Mandatory Minimum Exposure Time（熏蒸剂使用方法以及强制性最短曝光时长）”一节中提供了对于熏蒸曝光时间的指导并认为熏蒸时间取决于熏蒸剂种类、用量以及货舱深度。
这看似简单。但是，美国农业部（USDA ）手册同一节中还载有以下要求：
“建议熏蒸舱在整个航程中保持关闭状态，即便已经达到或超过规定的最短曝光时长”。
考虑到这一要求，美国的一些熏蒸师会指示船长在整个航行过程中保持货舱密封。在某些情况下，船舶的航程长达40-60天，并且会历经不同的气候。但船长按照惯例会听从熏蒸师建议，不进行货舱通风。当所述船舶到达卸货港并且发现谷物霉损时，收货人会要求提供正确通风的证据，显然船长无法提供通风证据。
保护自身权益
为避免此类事件或类似事件的发生，在租船合同中并入一条有利条款将会有所帮助。建议在租船合同中并入BIMCO熏蒸条款，该条款在定期租船合同和航次租船合同中均适用。
请记住，美国农业部（USDA）熏蒸手册仅仅是一个指导方针。船东、承租人和/或托运人等各方可以在订立合同阶段商讨确认一个明确的熏蒸时间表。这就需要根据整个航程的时间长度以及货物是否被要求通风来确认熏蒸天数。
如船长收到熏蒸公司指示要求船舶在长途航行期间保持货舱密封，但实际情况是需要保持货舱通风，此时船长须清晰地向承租人或托运人陈述保持货舱密封的风险，并及时寻求承租人或托运人的书面澄清。
请联系北英通常联系人或者当地通代获得更多建议。
请点击链接阅读关于熏蒸的简介。（http://www.nepia.com/media/869091/Fumigation-Jan-2016-LP-Briefing.PDF）
通函内容，请以英文原文为准，汉语翻译仅供参考。 如您对上述内容有任何疑问，新乔十分乐意为您解答并提供帮助。
Fumigated Cargoes: To Vent or Not to Vent?
Claims have emerged where grain cargoes loaded in the United States and subsequently fumigated on board were found to be affected by mould during the voyage. In each case the claimants alleged the cause of the damage was the failure to ventilate whilst the vessel was on passage.
Upon investigation, it was found that the shipowner had been provided with conflicting instructions regarding fumigation and ventilation of the cargo hold.
Conflicting instructions
In the United States, fumigation guidelines are published by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The section “Fumigant Application Methods and Mandatory Minimum Exposure Time” provides direction on exposure time for fumigation. The times are based on the fumigant type, dosage and the depth of the cargo hold.
This would appear to be straightforward. However, also contained within this section of the USDA handbook is the following statement:
“It is recommended that fumigated holds remain closed during the entire voyage even if the mandatory minimum exposure time is met or exceeded.”
Because of this statement, some fumigators in the United States are instructing vessels’ Masters to keep the holds sealed for the entire voyage. In some cases, this has involved long voyages of 40 to 60 days crossing over differing climates. As is customary, the Master followed the fumigator’s advice and no ventilation was carried out. When the affected vessels arrived at the discharge port and mouldy grain observed, the receivers asked for evidence of correct ventilation, which of course showed no ventilation took place.
Protect Yourself
To avoid this and similar types of incident, a good clause in the charterparty will help. It is recommended that the BIMCO fumigation clause for charterparties be incorporated, which is suitable for both time and voyage charterparties.
Remember, the USDA fumigation handbook is only a guideline. Parties, such as the shipowner, charterer and/or shipper are free to agree to a specific fumigation timetable at the time of fixing. This should confirm the number of days that fumigation is to be carried out taking into consideration the total length of the voyage and whether ventilation of the cargo is required.
Should a Master receive instructions from the fumigation company to keep the holds sealed for the duration of a long voyage, they should seek immediate and written clarification from the charterer or shipper. Clearly outline to them the risks of keeping the hold sealed when conditions would otherwise require hold ventilation.
Contact your usual contact at North or the local correspondent for further advice.
Read more in our briefing on fumigation.
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