Art. 98 - Regulations concerning the
"Containerships" : (See Circular Updates, Cir.
No. 12/1995)
A - The "Containers" are closed
space increasing the carriage capacity of the ship when situated over the main
deck (weather deck).
They are considered as a ship's permanent equipment. It is
a matter of fact that those in the cargo holds are included in the underdeck tonnage. A
surcharge on Canal dues relevant to number of tiers on weather deck are taxed.
B - Conditions to consider the containers as part
of the ship's permanent equipment :
- They must belong to :
a) The ship's owner.
or b) The time charterer.
or c) The container's consortium.
or d) Containers leasing company.
- They must bear a serial number as well as the owner's name.
- They must be registered on the ship's official documents.
- The Master of the containerships must assure to SCA
Representatives all facilities concerning the measurement and number of containers, their
internal capacities and the kind of cargo contained.
- Containerships are considered, in ballast :
a) If all containers on the main deck as well as those inside cargo
holds are empty.
b) If the main deck is clear and there are empty containers in the cargo holds; in this
case, a ratio of 6% of the SC dues is to be added.
C - Presence of uncontainerized cargo 300 metric
ton or more, other than floating unit, on board (in holds and/or on upper deck) container
vessels,
The actual volume of containers on deck are to be added to
the taxable tonnage.
D - Con-bulker vessels :
This type of vessels will be treated, regarding dues and
tonnage as follows :
- If the vessel carries dry bulk cargo only, the rate of
loaded dry bulk carriers is applied.
- If the vessel carries containerized cargo only, the rate of
loaded container vessel is applied, plus the surcharge on dues relevant to number of tiers
oil weather deck.
- If the vessel carries bulk cargo & containers, the rate
of laden container vessel is applied. Meanwhile, the actual volume of containers on upper
deck is taxed.
- When the vessel is completely empty, transit dues of ballast
dry bulk carriers is applied.
- If the vessel is carrying empty containers only, the rate of
ballast container vessel is applied, plus the surcharge on dues relevant to number of
tiers on weather deck.