Vietnam: Loading/unloading time on inland waterways in case of no other agreements

According to Circular No. 61/2015/TT-BGTVT of the Ministry of Transport of Vietnam, in case transport traders and transport buyers have no other agreements, loading/unloading time shall be calculated as follows:

- The loading time is calculated from arrival of watercraft and that the transport buyer has received notice from the transport trader to completion of loading and that a bill of lading is countersigned by the transport buyer.

- The unloading time is calculated from arrival of watercraft and that the transport buyer has received notice from the transport trader to completion of unloading and that a bill of lading is confirmed by the transport buyer.

Besides, Circular No. 61/2015/TT-BGTVT also clearly specifies obligations and rights of dockers and loading/unloading service buyers as follows:

Obligations and rights of dockers

- Comply strictly with procedures on loading and unloading for each type of cargo; ensure safety for people, vehicles, cargo and facilities during loading and unloading;

- Carry out loading and unloading of cargo according to cargo map or as instructed by the captain;

- Guarantee loading and unloading time as agreed unless otherwise as agreed;

- Dockers have the right to reject loading and unloading of packages failing to meet requirements as prescribed in Article 4 hereof.

Obligations and rights of loading/unloading service buyers

- Prepare cargo according to the contract signed with dockers;

- Provide information about cargo to dockers before loading/unloading according to the contract;

- Request compensation when dockers fail to comply with the contract.

View details at Circular No. 61/2015/TT-BGTVT of the Ministry of Transport of Vietnam, effective from January 01, 2016.

Le Hai

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