US/EU Iran Sanctions Six Month Suspension of Insurance Prohibitions 20/01/14 – 20/07/14 – Urgent Update 29 January 2014 No.13-024 Download PDF (99KB) Following the US/EU announcements (and publication of relevant regulations/guidance) of a six-month suspension of current sanctions measures relating to certain trade with Iran, including sanctions targeted at insurance arrangements as reported in the Special Circular No. 13-022 dated 20 January 2014, the Group has been continuing engagement with the relevant US and EU regulators regarding the intended operation of the suspension of insurance sanctions.    In relation to the US implementation of the suspension measures, one issue on which the Group has been seeking clarification is the extent to which clubs, which provide insurance cover to members during the six month suspension period in relation to the permitted trades, will be able to respond to liabilities arising during the suspension period, but which may not be crystallised or presented until after 20 July 2014. The US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has advised that it is not presently able to confirm whether the insurance cover provided in respect of liabilities arising during the six month period will be prohibited from responding after 20 July 2014.   In the circumstances, members should proceed on the basis that beyond 20 July 2014 (or any extension of the initial six-month period), clubs will not be able to respond to any claims presented in respect of liabilities arising during the 20 January/20 July suspension period. This has the effect of rendering the current suspension of sanctions on insurance cover and in particular P&I cover, of very limited, if any, value to shipowners, or to clubs. Shipowners should be aware that a Club is unlikely to be in a position to provide security for a claim in circumstances in which a demand under a club   letter of undertaking may be made after 20 July 2014. Clubs may also be unable to