The issue of water content in crude oil and other cargoes is not a new one. But best practice in terms of identifying the water, managing notification procedures, and putting in place the necessary legal instruments is evolutionary, and a process that owners and cargo owners alike need to properly manage in order to best protect their legal interests.   

Water in oil cargoes is not uncommon and may originate from a number of potential sources, including production, terminal operation, and the ship itself. 

It is considered good practice to check for free water on departure from the load port, and, if there are multiple load ports, between such load ports. 

Read the full article by Peter Glover, Partner and Master Mariner at Reed Smith in Triton no 1-2021»