In light of the recent decisions rendered by the Court of Justice of the State of Parana (where the Port of Paranagua is located) regarding natural break allowance and minor shortages, we have prepared a circular to share our findings and to raise a discussion on the practical implications of these matters for carriers and their insurers, including the strategic considerations involved in deciding whether to amicable settle or litigate these claims.

There is promising research aimed at extending soya beans shelf-life. Scientists of UFRJ – Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and EMBRAPA - The Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation discovered the benefits of a native Brazilian Amazon palm, named Tucuma (Astrocaryum vulgare Mat.) as an antifungal / biopesticide potential against pathogens.

Brazil is one of the world's leading soya bean producers. Historically, exports to Europe rarely triggered cargoquality complaints due to shorter transit times and limited air and seawater temperature variation. However, as China increased imports, significant cargo claims became a new challenge for Owners and their P&I Clubs.

Bulk carriers must perform draft survey calculations before and after cargo operations (as set out in the contract of carriage). In States that have ratified the Carriage Conventions, bill of lading reservations may support carriers' liability exemptions when shortage claims arise after the voyage. However, some jurisdictions reject these reservations, and Owners and their P&I Clubs may face significant shortage claims.

The dispute over holds cleanliness in bulk carriers can lead to operational delays and financial losses. In general, the dry bulk trades admit five levels of holds cleanliness: Hospital Clean (or ‘stringent’ cleanliness); Grain Clean (or high cleanliness); Normal Clean; Showel Clean; and Load on Top; with applicability based on the cargo type. The precise ascertainment of those levels varies by location and inspector, leading to potential disputes as a consequence of mere subjective assumptions.