International Maritime Organization (IMO) Compliance & Shipping Policies

At Koeman Nigeria, we operate in compliance with globally recognized maritime transportation regulations and shipping standards established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Our freight forwarding, cargo handling, customs clearing, and logistics operations are guided by internationally accepted principles designed to ensure operational efficiency, transparency, cargo protection, and supply chain reliability.

By engaging our services, all merchants, partners, suppliers, and clients acknowledge and agree to the shipping terms, conditions, and operational procedures outlined below.

OUR COMMITMENT TO GLOBAL SHIPPING COMPLIANCE

Koeman Nigeria Limited is committed to maintaining professional logistics operations that align with international maritime standards and global freight forwarding best practices.

While we strive to ensure timely delivery and efficient cargo movement, shipping operations may occasionally be affected by circumstances beyond operational control, including:

• Weather conditions
• Port congestion
• Government regulations
• Customs inspections
• Vessel operational requirements
• International trade restrictions
• Force majeure events

Although we cannot directly control airline or sea shipping schedules, we remain committed to keeping clients informed and updated throughout the shipping process.

QUICK NAVIGATION

• Methods & Routes of Carriage
• Operational Liberties
• Containerized Carriage
• Matters Affecting Performance
• Delay in Delivery
• Limitation of Liability
• Merchant Responsibilities

9. METHODS AND ROUTES OF CARRIAGE

9.1 Carrier Rights and Operational Discretion

The Carrier may at any time and without prior notice to the Merchant:

(a) Means of Transport

Use any means of carriage, transportation, or storage considered appropriate for shipment operations.

(b) Transfer & Transshipment

Transfer Goods from one conveyance to another, including:

• Transshipment
• Carriage on alternative vessels
• Use of different transportation methods where necessary

(c) Container Handling

Unpack and remove Goods from containers and forward them either:

• In another container, or
• Through alternative transportation arrangements

(d) Route Flexibility

Proceed by any route, place, or port whether or not such route is:

• The nearest route
• The direct route
• The customary route
• The advertised route

The Carrier may:

• Proceed at any speed
• Visit ports multiple times
• Change travel sequence
• Remain at ports where necessary

(e) Loading & Unloading

Load or unload Goods at any port or place, whether or not such locations are originally listed as:

• Port of Loading
• Port of Discharge

(f) Government & Authority Compliance

Comply with any instructions, directives, or recommendations issued by:

• Governments
• Regulatory authorities
• Insurance representatives
• Authorized operational agencies

(g) Vessel Operations

Permit the vessel to:

• Proceed with or without pilots
• Tow or be towed
• Undergo dry docking
• Conduct repairs and maintenance

9.2 Operational Liberties

The liberties outlined in Clause 9.1 may be exercised for operational purposes including but not limited to:

• Loading or unloading additional cargo
• Refueling or bunkering
• Vessel repairs
• Instrument adjustments
• Boarding or disembarking personnel
• Assisting other vessels

Any delays arising from such operations shall:

• Be considered part of the contractual carriage process, and
• Not constitute deviation from the agreed shipping contract

9.3 Containerized Shipment Acceptance

By submitting Goods for carriage without written requests for:

• Specialized container requirements, or
• Non-containerized shipment,

the Merchant accepts that the Goods may be transported using standard general-purpose containers.

10. MATTERS AFFECTING PERFORMANCE

If at any time the carriage of Goods becomes affected or likely to be affected by any:

• Hindrance
• Risk
• Danger
• Delay
• Difficulty
• Operational disadvantage

whether existing before or after shipment commencement, and such circumstances cannot reasonably be avoided, the Carrier may, at its sole discretion and without prior notice, take any of the following actions:

10.1 Alternative Routing

The Carrier may transport Goods through alternative routes different from:

• The route stated in the Bill of Lading
• The customary route to the Port of Discharge

Additional Freight and operational costs may apply where alternative routing becomes necessary.

10.2 Suspension of Carriage

The Carrier may:

• Suspend shipment temporarily
• Store Goods ashore or afloat
• Resume forwarding operations when reasonably possible

The Carrier does not guarantee a specific suspension period and reserves the right to apply additional operational charges where applicable.

10.3 Abandonment of Carriage

Where necessary, the Carrier may:

• Abandon carriage of the Goods, and
• Place the Goods at the Merchant’s disposal at a safe location or port

Upon such abandonment:

• The Carrier’s responsibility for the Goods shall cease
• Full Freight charges remain payable
• Additional operational expenses shall be borne by the Merchant

11. DELAY IN DELIVERY

The Carrier does not guarantee that Goods shall:

• Arrive at a specific time
• Meet a particular commercial schedule
• Fulfill any specific market expectations upon arrival

Under no circumstances shall the Carrier be liable for:

• Direct losses
• Indirect losses
• Consequential damages
• Delay-related commercial losses

Where liability for delay is legally established, compensation shall be limited strictly to the Ocean Freight paid for the delayed Goods under the applicable Bill of Lading.

This excludes:

• Local charges
• Port charges
• Demurrage
• Storage costs
• Administrative expenses

12. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY (US COGSA)

For shipments involving the United States of America, unless the nature and declared value of the Goods are properly stated in the Bill of Lading, the Carrier’s liability shall not exceed:

• USD $500 per:
  • Container
  • Package
  • Bundle
  • Pallet
  • Shipping unit

Where Goods are not shipped in units, liability shall not exceed:

• USD $500 per customary freight unit

SHIPPING DISCLAIMER

While Koeman Nigeria remains committed to delivering reliable freight forwarding and logistics services, international shipping operations may occasionally be impacted by circumstances beyond reasonable operational control.

Such circumstances may include:

• Customs delays
• Government restrictions
• Security inspections
• Port congestion
• Weather conditions
• Vessel scheduling adjustments
• International trade regulations

We remain committed to maintaining transparent communication and operational support throughout the shipping process.

CONTACT US

Need Assistance With International Shipping?

For inquiries regarding:

• Freight forwarding
• Customs clearing
• Cargo logistics
• Relocation services
• International shipping regulations

Please contact our logistics support team through our official website:

Koeman Nigeria