USA – Increase in OPA 90 Limits of Liability
The U.S. Oil Pollution Act 1990 (OPA 90) provides for an adjustment of the limits of liability according to increase in Consumer Price Index (CPI) not less than ever three years. On 19 November 2015, the United States Coast Guard published a final rule to increase limits of liability by around 10% for vessels under OPA 90. The new limits of liability, which become effective on 21 December 2015, are as follows;
Schedule of Limits
Previous Limit of Liability | New Limit of Liability |
a) Tank Vessel greater than 3,000GT: *Single-Hull Tanker The greater of US$3,200 per GT or US$23,496,000.
*Double-Hull Tanker The greater of US$2,000 per GT or US$17,088,000. | a) Tank Vessel greater than 3,000GT: *Single-Hull Tanker The greater of US$3,500 per GT or US$25,845,600.
*Double-Hull Tanker The greater of US$2,200 per GT or US$18,796,800. |
b) Tank Vessel less than or equal to 3,000GT: *Single-Hull Tanker The greater of US$3,200 per GT or US$6,408,000.
*Double-Hull Tanker The greater of US$2,000 per GT or US$4,272,000. | b) Tank Vessel less than or equal to 3,000GT: *Single-Hull Tanker The greater of US$3,500 per GT or US$7,048,800.
*Double-Hull Tanker The greater of US$2,200 per GT or US$4,699,200. |
c) Any Other Vessel: The greater of US$1,000 per GT or US$854,400. | c) Any Other Vessel: The greater of US$1,100 per GT or US$939,800. |