Harboursandport.com: Lagos- November 5, 2024: Nigerian Shippers Council, NSC, amicably resolved a dispute between Clarion Shipping Terminal West Africa Limited and Vicmore Integrated Investment Limited over a cargo valued at over N204m damaged by flood.
The resolution was reached during a tripartite discussion, chaired by the Head of Complaints, Mr. Bashir Ambi- Mohammed who informed the meeting that NSC received a complaint against Pacific International Lines, PIL, and a Bonded Terminal, Clarion Shipping Terminal West Africa Limited, for breach of contract and negligence in handling of container No: CAIU7021497, imported by Vicmore World Integrated Investment Limited.
In the course of deliberation, the chairman informed that series of meetings were held on this matter at the council’s headquarters, the Shipping Company and the Terminal's (Clarion) office, but resolution has not been fully reached.
"Today, this lingering complaint has to be resolved. The complaint's cargo(sunglasses) was damaged by flood at Clarion Terminal," Ambi- Mohammed said.
He further informed the meeting that abinitio, the management of PIL Shipping agreed to make payment for damages and deduct their money from the terminal, but Clarion objected , stating that the terminal will re-assess the claims. He reiterated that the complaint had to be resolved, and any non-compliance would attract enforcement.
He said, "It is worthy to inform this mediation meeting that the damage was discovered and confirmed at the Clarion Bonded Terminal during cargo examination."
He further said, "All relevant documents were confirmed to be submitted by both PIL and the consignee to Clarion Bonded Terminal, including application for the claims."
At the meeting, the terminal was mandated to update the NSC on the terminal valuation of the claims on the damaged cargo and date of settlement to cushion the loss suffered due to the negligent handling of the cargo(su glasses).
The Bonded Terminal was represented at the meeting by three Management Staff, led by the Human Resource Manager, Nwando Okoye.
Okoye apologized to the council for the delay and offered to pay 4 million as damages to the claimant.
She said, "We are very sorry , it was a force majeure. We are appealing to the consignee, through the Shippers Council, to consider our offer. Our company has passed through trials."
The offer was, however, turned down by the claimant's lawyer at the meeting who insisted on 59 million damages.
After critical analysis and extensive deliberations, the meeting resolved that;
1. Clarion Bonded Terminal was solely responsible for the delay and damage to the cargo
2. Clarion Bonded Terminal to pay 10 million as damages to the claimant
3. Clarion Bonded Terminal to pay 5 million at the first instance on or before Friday, 6th September 2024, and forward evidence of payments forwarded to the council.
4. The balance of 5 million be paid on or before Friday, 20th December, 2024, and evidence of payments forwarded to the council.
5. The NSC emphasized the need for sustained business relationship between Vicmore Integrated Investment Ltd (Consignee) and Clarion Bonded Terminal.
As a result of the successful resolutions, the parties expressed their excitement, stating, "We are satisfied and grateful to the leadership of the council."
Culled from Shippers Council Complaints Unit Newsletter.
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