All concerning parties should be aware that the presence of oil leakages in Maracaibo Lake is a frequent issue. Most vessels transiting this area are subject to oil stains on the hulls with the subsequent loss of time due to the necessary cleaning arrangement.

Once a ship´s hull is stained with oil, the vessels local agent should proceed to liaise with PDVSA and obtain their agreement that the hull will be cleaned at their expense and to accept full liability caused by the oil stain. Without conducting these arrangements, we´ve noted that PDVSA would not conduct the cleaning nor pay for all expenses related to the cleaning.

Read more in the circular below, issued by Venepandi, our P&I correspondent in Venezuela.

 Venepandis Circular – 021 – Oil Leakages at Maracaibo Lake causing hull.pdf