GULF DEFFI

* We have received reports that combined chemical and oil tanker, GULF DEFFI, suffered water ingress into the engine room whilst proceeding from Saudi Arabia to South Korea on 19th July 2023.

* As a result of the water ingress, the vessel is without power and salvage assistance is being provided by professional salvors who have been contracted on Lloyd's Open Form (LOF) terms.

* Consequently, Salvage Security will be required to be provided by a party acceptable to the Salvors or the Council of Lloyd's on behalf of cargo interests and W K Webster will be able to assist in this regard. Security provided by WKW is acceptable to the Council of Lloyd's and widely preferred by professional Salvors.

* The vessel is now under tow, and it is understood will be towed to Zhoushan anchorage for an STS operation following which the cargo, being various chemical products, will be delivered to ports in Korea. Delays are expected due to adverse weather conditions in the area including storm Khanun.

* If General Average is declared, General Average security may also be required from all cargo interests prior to the delivery of their cargo, and we are likely to be able to assist in that regard also.

* WKW are already assisting cargo interests on board the vessel and we have retained suitable chemical experts and investigators in connection with establishing the condition of the cargo and the cause of the water ingress respectively. These experts will help evidence any recovery claims in respect of any physical damage to cargo and salvage indemnity claims.

* We therefore recommend that you contact us urgently if you are concerned with any cargo on board this vessel so that we may immediately start taking steps to protect your interests.