§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when his Department chartered the Ukrainian merchant vessel, Kapitan Mezentsyev; what checks his Department made to ensure that it would meet American safety standards; when it was impounded by the American authorities; what were the reasons given by the American authorities for the impounding; what discussions his Department has had with the US authorities; if his Department has chartered a replacement vessel for Operation Purple Star; and who is financially responsible for the Kapitan Mezentsyev during Operation Purple Star. [29651]
§ Mr. SoamesThe Kapitan Mezentsyev was chartered on 12 March 1996 on the basis that she complied fully with international port state control standards. She has passed an internationally recognised safety inspection carried out by the Dutch authorities in Flushing on 24 January. She was examined by my Department's marine superintendents on 8–9 April when she reported for loading. No serious defects were noted, and all her safety documentation was found to be in order.
The vessel was impounded on 22 April following a US port state control inspection, which identified a number of minor defects. These were subsequently remedied and, following a further inspection, the Kapitan Mezentsyev was released on 4 May. My Department naturally kept in close touch with the US authorities during the period when the vessel was confined to port.
The vessel was contracted to my Department for the purpose of transporting equipment to the US, and return, for Exercise Purple Star. The contract included a clause requiring the vessel to comply with US marine legislation. No charter fees were therefore attracted during the period she was impounded. Financial responsibility for effecting the repairs needed to satisfy the US authorities lies, of course, with the owners. There was no requirement to charter a replacement vessel.