Members need to be aware if calling ports in the following countries:

• Russian Far East
• China
• Republic of Korea/Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea
• Japan
• Vietnam

Please be aware the list only serves as a guidance, and therefore, confirmation or changes should be gathered from the port agent.<

AGM is subject to spread like a wildfire unless active efforts are made to contain the spread. If allowed, the AGM will spread to areas where it’s not indigenous and cause great damage to agriculture and forestry and associated commerce. Calling above mentioned ports in the high-risk season will make the vessel subject to inspection in other areas of the pacific region, notably:

• Canada
• USA
• New Zealand
• Australia
• Chile

If the vessel is found to be infested by AGM, authorities can order the vessel out of territorial waters thereby affecting the revenue of the vessel.

Distribution

AGM is attracted to light, and as such the eggs will usually be found on parts of the vessel subject to lumination. The egg mass can easily be scraped off and destroyed using either alcohol, boiling water or incineration. After the eggs hatches, the larvae eats vegetation, primarily leaf, before entering the pupae stage for another 10-14 days. Finally, the moth stage will last 2-3 weeks, during which the only purpose is to mate and lay eggs. The male moth dies after mating, while the female dies after laying eggs.

Subject to the local climate, the final moth stage of AGM will be in the period from end May through September, according to the table below, supplied by the North American Plant Protection Organization:

Precautions

BIMCO encourages members to contact the organisation using marinfo@bimco.org for extended guidance on practical matters. For matters related to contracts and clauses please contact BIMCO Support and advise using advice@bimco.org.

If calling a port listed above during the AGM high-risk period, make sure to get a certificate documenting that the vessel is free of AGM by using one of the listed approved certifiers supplied by the United States Department of Agriculture:

Please be aware that conditions may vary depending on the countries involved, and most often, the vessel will need a certificate if it has called at a high risk country during high risk season within the previous 24 months.

BIMCO AGM clause for time charter parties

BIMCO encourages its members to take any necessary steps to prevent the spread of AGM and other hitchhiker pest. If applicable, amend your contracts with relevant clauses placing the basic obligations and responsibilities of the owners and charterers in respect of the AGM. Click here for the BIMCO AGM clause.

• AGM Pocket guide
• USDA AGM Procedures

Trading restrictions imposed against the Republic of Korea

• Asian Gypsy Moth
  Korea is considered an area of potential risk. See: Phytosanitary Issues: Asian Gypsy Moth
• China - Taiwan, Province of China
  South Korean flagged vessels are banned from loading / discharging cargo(es) which are coming from or destined to Japan, with the exception of non-liner vessels carrying bulk cargo/bulk shipments.

Trading restrictions imposed by the Republic of Korea

According to information received from local contacts the following is applicable:

In nearly all cases the following will require government approval / permission to call at a Republic of Korea port.

- vessels of D.P.R. of Korea flag / registry
- vessels owned, managed or operated by D.P.R. of Korea
- vessels with crew and/or officers from the D.P.R. of Korea

Vessels sailing from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to the Republic of Korea, or vice versa, must first obtain permission from the Ministry of National Unification prior to arriving at a Republic of Korea port. Such an application normally takes 5 to 7 days to process if all documentation is in order. 

Tanker vessels of more than 20 years are now permitted to call at Republic of Korea ports provided they are well maintained, managed, etc... so as to pass Port State Control, as well as, receivers inspections. 

Bulk carriers of more than 20 years are permitted to call provided they can pass Port State Control inspection and hold a valid P&I Entry Certificate accepted by the government. According to information received the following Protection and Indemnity Associations are accepted.

American Steamship Owners Mutual P and I Association, Inc.
Assuranceforeningen Gard
Assuranceforeningen Skuld
Gard P&I (Bermuda) Ltd.
Skuld Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association (Bermuda) Ltd.
The Britannia Steam Ship Insurance Association Limited
The Japan Ship Owners' Mutual Protection & Indemnity Association
The London Steamship Owners' Mutual Insurance Association Limited
The North Of England Protecting & Indemnity Association Limited
The Shipowners' Mutual Protection & Association (Luxembourg)
The Standard Steamship Owners' Protection & Indemnity Association (Bermuda) Limited
The Standard Steamship Owners' Protection & Indemnity Association (Europe) Ltd.
The Standard Steamship Owners' Protection & Indemnity Association (London) Ltd.
The Standard Steamship Owners' Protection & Indemnity Association (Asia) Limited
The Steamship Mutual Underwriting Association (Bermuda) Limited
The Steamship Mutual Underwriting Association Ltd.
The Swedish Club
United Kingdom Mutual Steam Ship Assurance Association (Bermuda) Limited
United Kingdom Mutual Steam Ship Assurance Association (Europe) Ltd.
The West of England Ship Owners Mutual Insurance Association (Luxembourg)
Lloyd's Syndicate

Members trading such vessels to Republic of Korea ports would be well advised to consult with their port agents and P&I clubs beforehand to ensure compliance with the regulations.

See also United Nations Security Council Resolutions