Trimmed Right or Penalized: Why Mundra Port Won’t Accept a Head-Down Vessel

⚓Trimmed Right or Penalized: Why Mundra Port Won’t Accept a Head-Down Vessel

❓ Are you risking detention with an uneven vessel arrival?

❓ Can a 0.2° list really cause your draft survey to be rejected?

❓ Who pays for the delay – Owners, Charterers, or Agents?

 

📜 Clause Breakdown: What It Really Means

Charter Party Clause Summary:

“Vessel should arrive Mundra Port with positive trim and no list. In no case should the vessel be trimmed down by the head or have a list of more than 0.2 degree. In case a vessel is found to be trimmed down by head or has a list of more than 0.2 degree, draft survey will not be conducted till she comes on even keel and uprights herself. All delay, detention and cost arising because of the same will be on vessel's account.”

✅ Explanation & Practical Implications

• Positive Trim: Vessel should have the stern deeper than the bow (aft deeper than forward).
• No List: Vessel must be upright, with port and starboard drafts nearly equal (not exceeding 0.2° list).
• Even Keel Requirement for Draft Survey: Mundra port insists on a level vessel to ensure accuracy in draft surveys, crucial for calculating cargo quantities discharged or loaded.

⚠️ What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

• Draft survey will be refused until the vessel corrects its trim/list.
• Delays and detentions may occur while ballasting/deballasting to rectify the issue.
• Costs incurred (including berth charges, tugs, fuel, and port fines) will be on Owner’s account.

📚 Examples & Real-Life Scenarios

• Case Study 1: A Panamax vessel trimmed by head at 0.5m delayed for 9 hours at Mundra before draft survey was accepted.
• Case Study 2: A vessel with 0.3° list had to deballast 500 MT to correct uprightness, resulting in tug hire and off-hire losses.
• BIMCO Commentary (if applicable): Most ports prioritize draft accuracy, especially for bulk cargo. Mundra's policy is stricter than others, and operators should treat this as a zero-tolerance clause.

🧭 Common Pitfalls

• Overloading forward holds during voyage leg without mid-voyage trimming.
• Relying solely on onboard gauges without manual confirmation of trim.
• Not adjusting ballast early before port arrival.

 

✅ Actionable Steps for Shipping Professionals

👨‍✈️ For Masters & Crew

• Monitor trim and list continuously during voyage.
• Begin final trimming at least 12 hours before arrival.
• Use draft marks and inclinometers to confirm compliance.

🧑‍💼 For Operators & Managers

• Include trim/list requirements in pre-arrival instructions.
• Add checklists in voyage instructions for key ports like Mundra.
• Coordinate with local agents to ensure pilotage isn’t delayed.

🤝 For Owners & Charterers

• Clarify cost liabilities in the C/P to avoid disputes.
• Ensure B/L and NOR validity isn’t affected by trimming delays.
• Inform agents to remind Master at least 24 hours before arrival.

 

🚀 Conclusion: Don’t Let 0.2° Sink Your Profits

A minor list or head trim might seem harmless—but at ports like Mundra, it could delay your operations, cost thousands, and lead to unnecessary disputes. Stay proactive, trim right, and ensure smooth port calls.

 

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⚠️ Disclaimer:

This article is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal or commercial advice. Readers are advised to refer to the actual charter party clauses and consult with legal or P&I advisors for specific contractual interpretations or disputes.