Port Notice 7/20 – Dispute Resolution And Procedures Under S.L 545.30

INTRODUCTION

The Ports and Yachting Directorate within Transport Malta has issued Port Notice Number 07/20 entitled 'Dispute resolution and procedures in connection with bunkering operations' in order to remind its recipients about the provisions of the Dispute Resolution (Procedures) Regulation under subsidiary legislation 545.30 of the laws of Malta.

The port notice highlighted the availability of an authorised provider and a customer to bring forth a complaint to the Regulator in order to settle a dispute between them. This comes as a timely reminder in a period where local Courts have been closed due to Covid-19 measures.

In accordance with the Port Notice, the regulation is applicable to bunkering operations where a dispute has arisen between the bunkering fuel operator and provider and the receiving vessel. The procedure provides for an alternative dispute resolution mechanism (ADR) that is intended to be swift, economical, transparent and simple. Much