Nicaragua Award07-047B

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07-047B Nicaragua Award
October 23, 2007

IFB No. NI-FINCA-FFP-07-047B
Charterer: FINCA International
Vessel Owner: Clipper Wonsild Tankers A/S on behalf of Oceanica Maritime Co. Ltd.
Vessel: :Clipper Oceanica, P3
Cargo: 1,000 MT Min/Max Bulk CDSBO
Loadport: SB, SP USG
Discharge Port SB Corinto, Nicaragua
Frt Rate: $195.45 per MT basis 1/1
Plus $20.45 for additional loadberth
Plus $50.45 for 2nd discharge berth
Laydays: November 15-25, 2007

Best Regards,
Sherry Sons
Universal Shipping Company
2101 Gaither Road, Suite 275
Rockville, MD  20850
Tele:  301-330-0063
Fax:  301-330-0083
 

07-047B Nicaragua Tender
October 11, 2007

Freight tender: FINCA International FFP Blk CDSBO to NICARAGUA

UNIVERSAL SHIPPING CO., INC. FOR AND ON BEHALF OF FINCA INTERNATIONAL TENDERS AND REQUESTS OFFERS OF U.S. AND NON U.S. FLAG TANKERS FOR THE CARRIAGE OF CDSBO IN BULK THROUGH THE FOOD FOR PROGRESS PROGRAM ON THE FOLLOWING BASIS:
1. IFB NO. NI-FINCA-FFP-07-047B

2. QUANTITY/LAYDAYS:
1,000 MT MINIMUM/MAXIMUM OF CRUDE DEGUMMED SOYBEAN OIL
(CDSBO) IN BULK.

3. LAYDAYS: NOVEMBER 15-25, 2007

OFFERS SUBMITTED UNDER THIS INVITATION ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A CANCELING DATE NO LATER THAN THE LAST CONTRACT LAYDAY. VESSELS WHICH ARE OFFERED WITH A CANCELING DATE BEYOND THE LAYDAYS SPECIFIED ABOVE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

IF CONTRACTED ON PART CARGO BASIS OWNER IS TO PROVIDE ITINERARY OF VESSEL. ANY ADDITIONAL COMPLETION CARGO(ES) MUST BE DULY SEGREGATED BY TANK, MUST BE COMPATIBLE AND NON-INJURIOUS TO FINCA INTERNATIONALS CDSBO CARGO, AND MUST BE DETAILED IN OFFER OR APPROVED BY CHARTERERS/USDA IF CONTRACTED AFTER FIXTURE OF FINCA INTERNATIONAL CDSBO CARGO. VESSELS ITINERARY AND GEOGRAPHIC PROXIMITY OF COMPLETION CARGO(ES) WILL BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION BY CHARTERER/USDA IN APPROVAL OF SUCH PART CARGO(ES) IN ORDER NOT TO UNDULY IMPEDE DELIVERY OF FINCA INTERNATIONAL CARGO(ES) TO NICARAGUA.

IN ORDER TO MEET PROGRAMMED DELIVERY DATES FOR THIS MONETIZATION PROGRAM, FINCA INTERNATIONAL REQUIRES THAT CARGO ARRIVE AT DISCHARGE PORT NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 10, 2007.

4. OWNERS TO PROVIDE 14 (FOURTEEN) DAYS PREADVICE OF VESSEL READINESS TO LOAD. THE 14 DAY PREADVICE MUST BE RECEIVED BY CHARTERERS AGENT NO LATER THAN 11:00 AM (WASHINGTON DC TIME) ON THE BUSINESS DAY IT IS GIVEN. PREADVICE RECEIVED AFTER THAT TIME WILL COUNT AS RECEIVED ON THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY.

PRIOR TO TENDERING NOTICE OF READINESS (NOR) AT FIRST LOAD PORT, OWNER TO PROVIDE ALL NECESSARY INSPECTION CERTIFICATES INCLUDING VESSEL TANK INSPECTION CERTIFICATE EVIDENCING CLEANLINESS OF ALL TANKS TO BE LOADED FOR THIS FIXTURE.. INSPECTIONS TO BE PERFORMED AND CERTIFICATES TO BE ISSUED BY AN INDEPENDENT SURVEYOR AT OWNERS EXPENSE.

ALSO AT TIME OF TENDERING NOTICE OF READINESS, OWNER TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATION THAT THE LAST THREE CARGOES CARRIED IN CARGO TANKS WERE CLEAN, UNLEADED AND NON-TOXIC. FURTHER OWNERS TO CERTIFY THAT THE IMMEDIATE PREVIOUS CARGO FOR TANKS, LINES AND PUMP SYSTEMS ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE NIOP/FOSFA LIST OF ACCEPTABLE PREVIOUS CARGOES. CERTIFICATION TO BE PROVIDED AS NOTED IN CLAUSE 12 OF THIS TENDER.

5. LOADING PORT: 1 /2 SAFE BERTHS, 1 / 2 SAFE U.S. PORTS

6. DISCHARGE PORT: ONE TO TWO SAFE BERTH(S) CORINTO, NICARAGUA.

7. LOADING TERMS: FREE IN AT THE RATE OF 150 MT PER RUNNING HOUR, WWDSHINC, WITH DEMURRAGE, NO DESPATCH.

8. DISCHARGING TERMS: BERTH TERMS WITH NO DEMURRAGE/NO DESPATCH/NO DETENTION.

9. LOADING AND STOWAGE TO BE APPROVED BY NATIONAL CARGO BUREAU AND CERTIFICATE OF NCB REQUIRED. ALL VESSELS AND ALL OCEAN GOING BARGES MUST HAVE ALL OPENINGS TO CARGO SPACES AND HATCHES COVERS TIGHTLY SEALED WITH TAPE OR BY OTHER MEANS TO ASSURE WATERTIGHT INTEGRITY. THE SEALING SHALL BE DONE TO THE SATISFACTION OF ATTENDING NCB SURVEYOR AS ATTESTED BY A SPECIAL SURVEY. COST OF SEALING HATCH COVERS/OPENINGS TO CARGO SPACES AS WELL AS SPECIAL SURVEY FEES SHALL BE FOR VESSEL OWNERS ACCOUNT. SPECIAL SURVEY CERTIFICATE SHALL IN NO WAY AFFECT OWNERS LIABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARD THE CARGO.

10. ALL VESSELS OFFERED AND UTILIZED FOR THIS CARGO, TO BE OF SUITABLE SIZE AND DRAFT TO ALLOW SAFE BERTHING AT THE LOAD/DISCHARGE BERTH OR BERTHS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY AND ALL ASSIST TUGS HIRED BY THE VESSEL TO MAINTAIN THE VESSEL SAFELY IN BERTH WHILE CONNECTED TO THE SHORE TANKS AND DURING THE LOAD/DISCHARGE OPERATION, WITH THOSE COSTS FOR VESSELS ACCOUNT.

11. OWNERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ASSURNG THAT PERFORMING VESSEL IS FULLY COMPLIANT AT THE TIME OF FIXING WITH ALL INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS AND PROTOCOLS REGARDING THE CARRIAGE OF THE PRODUCT(S) NAMED HEREIN, INCLUDING MARPOL 73/78 ANNEX II REVISIONS, AS WELL AS ALL REGULATIONS OF THE COUNTRIES OF LOADING AND DISCHARGE. OWNERS TO CERTIFY IN THEIR OFFER THAT THE VESSEL OFFERED, AND ANY SUBSTITUTE VESSEL PROPOSED, MEETS OR EXCEEDS THE SHIP TYPE 2 TANK CONFIGURATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE IBC CODE, OR ALTERNATIVELY, THAT THE VESSEL MEETS ALL REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIP TYPE 3 CHEMICAL TANKERS AND RELATED EXEMPTION REQUIREMENTS LAID OUT IN MARPOL ANNEX II REGULATION 4.1.3; THAT THE CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS FOR THE VESSEL INDICATES THAT THE VESSEL IS ENTITLED TO OPERATE UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THIS REGULATION; THAT ALL FLAG STATE AND PORT STATE AUTHORIZATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED OR CONFIRMED, AS NECESSARY; AND THAT THE OWNERS CAN CONFIRM THAT THE VESSEL WILL BE PERMITTED TO BERTH AND LOAD OR DISCHARGE AT ALL PORTS NAMED OR CONTEMPLATED HEREIN.

12. THE VESSEL IS TO BE FITTED WITH EFFICIENT STIPPING PUMPS.
VESSEL TO PROVIDE ALL NECESSARY EQUIPMENT (INCLUDING MAIN/STRIPPING PUMPS, HOSES, AND REDUCERS) IN GOOD WORKING ORDER TO EFFECT DISCHARGE OF THE CARGO INTO TANK TRUCKS AND/OR RAIL TANK CARS AND/OR SHORE TANKS. PUMPS MUST HAVE A MINIMUM PRESSURE OF 50 POUNDS PSI WITH PUMPING CAPACITY OF AT LEAST 150 MT PER HOUR AND ABLE TO PUMP WATER WITH ADEQUATE PRESSURE TO CLEAN HOSES AND PIPES AT DISCHARGE TERMINAL.

13. ONLY CLEAN OFFERS OF NAMED VESSELS WITH FULL PARTICULARS WILL BE CONSIDERED. THE PERFORMING VESSEL AND ANY LIGHTERAGE VESSELS UTILIZED MUST COMPLY WITH THE FEDERATION OF OILS, SEEDS AND FATS ASSOCIATION LTD (FOSFA) OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES FOR ALL SHIPS ENGAGED IN THE OCEAN AND SHORT SEA CARRIAGE AND TRANSSHIPMENT OF OILS AND FATS FOR EDIBLE AND OLEO-CHEMICAL USE, HEREINAFTER FOSFA OPS EXCEPT AS MODIFIED ELSEWHERE HEREIN AND IN THE PROFORMA CHARTER PARTY. OFFERORS ARE ENCOURAGED TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: NAME OF VESSEL AND FLAG/FULL STYLE VESSEL OWNER/OPERATORS/YEAR BUILT/LENGTH OVERALL/BEAM/CLASSIFICATION/TYPE/VESSELS ACTUAL WARRANTED SERVICE SPEED/ NUMBER OF TANKS/NUMBER OF PUMPS/SYSTEMS, CAPACITY / CURRENT EMPLOYMENT AND CARGO, CONTRACTED OR ANTICIPATED / CURRENT POSITION OF VESSEL.

IF ANY ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATIONS ON THE VESSEL IS NEEDED, THEY SHALL BE FURNISHED BY OWNERS UPON REQUEST.

14. OWNERS TO LIST THE LAST THREE CARGOES CARRIED (FOR BOTH VESSEL AND LIGHTERAGE VESSEL, IF APPLICABLE) IN CARGO TANKS AND THE LAST THREE CARGOES PUMPED THROUGH THE CARGO PUMPS AND LINES (IF DIFFERENT) AND CERTIFY IN THEIR OFFER THAT THE LAST THREE CARGOES WERE CLEAN, UNLEADED AND NON-TOXIC. FURTHER, OWNERS TO CERTIFY THAT THE IMMEDIATE PREVIOUS CARGO FOR TANKS, LINES AND PUMP SYSTEMS (FOR BOTH OCEAN VESSEL AND LIGHTERAGE VESSELS, IF APPLICABLE) DESIGNATED TO LOAD THE CDSBO MUST BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE NIOP/FOSFA LIST OF ACCEPTABLE PREVIOUS CARGOES. OWNERS MUST STIPULATE EXACTLY THE LAST THREE CARGOES CARRIED, WITHOUT STATEMENTS OF AND OR OR WILL BE. FURTHER, CARGO NAMES MUST BE SPELLED OUT WITHOUT ABBREVIATIONS.

FOR SHIPS TANKS THAT HAVE BEEN NEWLY COATED OR FULLY RE-COATED AND HAVE NOT CARRIED AT LEAST THREE CARGOES SUBSEQUENT TO THE NEW/RE-COATING, OWNERS ARE TO LIST ANY CARGOES THAT HAVE BEEN CARRIED IN THOSE TANKS, PUMPS AND LINES AFTER THE NEW/RE-COATING, OTHERWISE SUBJECT TO THE ABOVE. IN ADDITION, OWNERS MUST FURNISH WITH THEIR OFFER A COPY OF A SURVEY CERTIFICATE FROM A FOSFA-APPROVED SURVEYOR, DATED NOT MORE THAN SIX MONTHS PRIOR TO THE OFFER DATE, ATTESTING THAT THE VESSEL (ALL TANKS, WHETHER OR NOT NEW/RE-COATED) IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH FOSFA REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CARRIAGE OF EDIBLE OILS.

FOR LIGHTERAGE VESSELS ONLY: IF OWNERS CANNOT PROVIDE INFORMATION ON IMMEDIATE PRIOR CARGOES AT THE TIME OF OFFER, OFFEROR SHALL ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO UTILIZE ANY LIGHTERAGE VESSEL THAT HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED AND APPROVED PRIOR TO LOADING BY A FOSFA-APPROVED SURVEYOR AT THE LOAD AND/OR DISCHARGE PORT. ANY TIME LOST AT LOAD AND/OR DISPORTS FOR INSPECTION OR OTHER DELAYS IN PROVIDING SUITABLE LIGHTERAGE VESSEL TO BE AT OWNERS EXPENSE.

IN THE EVENT THAT ANY OF THE LAST THREE CARGOES WERE NOT FOOD GRADE CARGOES AND IF VESSEL FAILS TO PASS INTIAL INSPECTION BY THE SURVEYOR, ADDITIONAL TEST FOR TRACE CARGOES TO BE EVIDENCED BY MEANS OF A WALL WASH TEST AT OWNERS EXPENSE.

THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS MUST BE OBTAINED BY VESSEL OWNERS AS PART OF FREIGHT PAYMENT DOCUMENTATION:

-FOSFA COMBINED MASTERS CERTIFICATE.
-FOSFA CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE, CLEANLINESS AND
SUITABILITY OF SHIPS TANKS.

15. OWNERS ARE FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR VESSEL ARRIVING AT DISCHARGE PORT WITH AN ACCEPTABLE SAFE ARRIVAL DRAFT.

LIGHTERING, IF NECESSARY IS FOR OWNERS TIME, RISK AND EXPENSE. LIGHTER VESSELS (IF USED) MUST BE OCEAN-GOING VESSELS WITH ALL PUMPS, HOSES, AND REDUCERS, CLASSED HIGHEST IN LLOYDS OR EQUIVALENT, AND CERTIFIED BY LICENSED SURVEYOR THAT ALL CARGO COMPARTMENTS ARE CLEAN AND ENTIRELY FIT TO RECEIVE AND CARRY CDSBO AND THAT PUMPS, HOSES AND REDUCERS ARE IN GOOD WORKING ORDER. ALL VESSELS, INCLUDING MOTHER AND DAUGHTER/LIGHTER VESSELS, ARE SUBJECT TO ALL RELEVANT TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF FOSFA OPS.

IF OWNERS INTEND TO LIGHTER, THE OFFER SHOULD SPECIFY THE COST OF LIGHTERING, WHETHER PARTIAL OR FULL LIGHTERING. IF LIGHTERING IS NOT PERFORMED AT THE DISCHARGE PORT AND VESSEL DIRECTLY DISCHARGES AT BERTH USDA WILL DEDUCT THE LIGHTERING COST FROM THE OCEAN FREIGHT.

16. LAYTIME AT LOAD PORT TO COMMENCE AT SIX (6) HOURS AFTER VESSELS MASTER OR AGENT FILES THE NOTICE OF READINESS TO THE DECLARED LOADING TERMINAL, VESSEL HAVING PASSED ALL REQUIRED INSPECTIONS. IF SECOND OR MORE LOAD BERTH(S) OR PORT(S) ARE USED LAYTIME AT THE SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT LOAD BERTH(S) AND/OR PORT(S) SHALL COMMENCE SIX (6) HOURS AFTER VESSEL NOTICE OF READINESS IS FILED AT THAT BERTH AND OR PORT AND VESSEL BEING READY TO COMMENCE LOADING AT SAID SUBSEQUENT BERTH AND PORT. PRIOR TIME USED NOT TO COUNT AS LAYTIME. DEMURRAGE TO BE STATED IN THE OFFER. DEMURRAGE TO BE SETTLED DIRECTLY BETWEEN VESSEL OWNER AND THE SUPPLIER(S) OF THE CDSBO. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL CCC OR CHARTERER BE RESPONSIBLE FOR RESOLVING ANY DISPUTES INVOLVING THE CALCULATION OF LAYTIME OR THE PAYMENT OF DEMURRAGE BETWEEN VESSEL OWNER AND THE SUPPLIER(S). ANY AND ALL DISPUTES BETWEEN VESSEL OWNER AND THE COMMODITY SUPPLIER(S) ARISING OUT OF THIS CONTRACT RELATING TO SETTLEMENT OF LAYTIME ISSUES SHALL BE ARBITRATED IN NEW YORK SUBJECT TO THE RULES OF THE SOCIETY OF MARITIME ARBITRATORS, INC.

17. OWNER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING ALL CARRYING, INTEREST AND STORAGE CHARGES, IF ANY, BY REASON OF VESSELS FAILURE TO PRESENT READY IN ALL RESPECTS TO LOAD PRIOR TO THE CANCELING DATE. CARRYING CHARGES WILL BE ASSESSED THROUGH BILL OF LADING DATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TRADING RULES OF THE NIOP.

18. FREIGHT RATES TO BE QUOTED IN U.S. DOLLARS PER METRIC TON. OCEAN FREIGHT RATE TO BE QUOTED BASIS ONE LOADING PORT TO ONE DISCHARGING PORT. ADDITIONAL FREIGHT PER METRIC TON ON ENTIRE CARGO FOR EACH ADDITIONAL LOAD OR DISCHARGE PORT USED TO BE STATED SEPARATELY.

19. U.S. FLAG APPROVED FREIGHT RATES WILL BE REDUCED TO A LEVEL NOT HIGHER THAN THE MARITIME ADMINISTRATION FAIR AND REASONABLE RATE IN THE EVENT THAT APPROVED VESSEL (INCLUDING TUG AND/OR BARGE) IS SUBSTITUTED BY A LOWER COST VESSEL TO THE U.S. GOVERNMENT.

FOR U.S. VESSELS LOADING LESS THAN A FULL CARGO, THE LESS THAN FULL CARGO FREIGHT RATE WILL BE SUBJECT TO A REDUCTION TO MEET ANY REVISED MARITIME ADMINISTRATION FREIGHT RATE GUIDELINE DUE TO VESSEL LOADING OTHER ADDITIONAL CARGO.

U.S. FLAG VESSELS WHICH REQUIRE PRIOR APPROVAL FROM THE MARITIME ADMINISTRATION (MARAD) TO PARTICIPATE IN PREFERENCE CARGOES BECAUSE OF OPERATING DIFFERENTIAL SUBSIDY (ODS) CONTRACTUAL CONSTRAINTS, OR BECAUSE OF REFLAGGING/FOREIGN CONSTRUCTION ELIGIBILITY ISSUES, MUST OBTAIN SUCH MARAD APPROVAL PRIOR TO SUBMISSION OF BIDS.

U.S. FLAG VESSELS OVER 15 YEARS OLD MUST OFFER AN ALTERNATE FREIGHT RATE TO BE APPLICABLE IN THE EVENT THE VESSEL IS EITHER SCRAPPED OR VESSEL OWNERSHIP IS TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER OWNER AFTER DISCHARGE AT DESTINATION, BUT PRIOR TO ITS RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES.
OFFERS OF U.S. FLAG VESSELS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED IF THE VESSEL OPERATOR HAS NOT PROVIDED THE MARITIME ADMINISTRATION (MARAD) WITH THE VESSELS COSTS PRIOR TO SUBMISSION OF THE OFFER.

U.S. FLAG VESSELS OFFERED SUBJECT TO MARAD APPROVAL WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. IF MARAD APPROVAL OF VESSEL IS REQUIRED, THE SAME MUST BE OBTAINED PRIOR TO SUBMISSION OF OFFERS.

20. NON-VESSEL OPERATING COMMON CARRIERS (NVOCC) MAY NOT BE EMPLOYED TO CARRY U.S. FLAG OR FOREIGN FLAG SHIPMENTS.

21. CARGO COVERED UNDER THIS CONTRACT MAY NOT BE RELET TO ANOTHER CARRIER OR OPERATOR WITHOUT THE WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION OF CHARTERERS AND USDA.

22. U.S. FLAG VESSEL(S) MUST BE REGISTERED HIGHEST IN A.B.S. OR EQUIVALENT AND NON-U.S. FLAG VESSELS MUST BE REGISTERED HIGHEST IN LLOYDS OR EQUIVALENT CLASSIFICATION SOCIETY.

23. EXTRA INSURANCE OWING TO VESSELS AGE, FLAG, TYPE, CONFIGURATION (INCLUDING ITB), CLASS, OR OWNERSHIP TO BE FOR OWNERS ACCOUNT BUT NOT TO EXCEED NEW YORK MARKET RATES.

24. PLEASE NOTE PROVISION IN CHARTER PARTY CLAUSE 21 REGARDING PAYMENT BY ELECTRONIC TRANSFER.

25. THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATES MUST BE OBTAINED BY THE VESSEL OWNER AS PART OF FREIGHT PAYMENT DOCUMENTATION:
A. FOSFA INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATE OF SHIPS
COMPLIANCE AND CLEANLINESS, AND SUITABILITY OF SHIPS TANK;
B. FOSFA INTERNATIONAL COMBINED MASTERS CERTIFICATE;
C. COPY OF NOTICE TO THE MASTER INSTRUCTING HIM TO FOLLOW THE IASC HEATING INSTRUCTIONS.

26. ISM AND ISPS CODE COMPLIANCE. CARRIER GUARANTEES THAT THIS VESSEL IS REQUIRED BY THE ISM (NON SELF-PROPELLED BARGES ARE EXEMPT), AND ISPS CODE ISSUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE SAFETY OF LIFE AT SEA (1974) AS AMENDED (SOLAS) COMPLIES FULLY WITH THE INTERNATIONAL SAFETY MANAGEMENT (ISM) CODE AND THE INTERNATIONAL SHIP AND PORT FACILITIES SECURITY (ISPS) CODE AND WILL REMAIN SO FOR THE ENTIRETY OF HER EMPLOYMENT UNDER THIS BOOKING NOTE. UPON REQUEST, CARRIERS TO PROVIDE SHIPPERS WITH A COPY OF THE RELEVANT DOCUMENT OF COMPLIANCE (DOC) AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE (SMC) IN REGARD TO THE ISM CODE AND THE INTERNATIONAL SHIP SECURITY CERTIFICATE (ISSC) IN REGARD TO THE ISPS CODE. CARRIERS ARE TO REAMIN FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY AND ALL CONSEQUENCES FROM MATTERS ARISING AS A RESULT OF THE CARRIER OR THE VESSEL BEING OUT OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE ISM AND ISPS CODE.

27. SUBSTANDARD VESSELS: SECTION 408 OF THE COAST GUARD
AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1998, PUBLIC LAW 105-383 (46 USC PARAGRAPH 2302(E)), ESTABLISHES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 1999, WITH RESPECT TO NON-US FLAG VESSELS AND OPERATORS/OWNERS, THAT SUBSTANDARD VESSELS AND VESSELS OPERATED BY OPERATORS/OWNERS OF SUBSTANDARD VESSELS ARE PROHIBITED FROM THE CARRIAGE OF GOVERNMENT IMPELLED (PREFERENCE)CARGO(ES) FOR UP TO ONE YEAR AFTER SUCH SUBSTANDARD DETERMINATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED ELECTRONICALLY. AS THE CARGO ADVERTISED IN THIS IFB IS A GOVERNMENT IMPELLED (PREFERENCE) CARGO, OFFERORS MUST WARRANT THAT VESSEL(S) AND OWNERS/OPERATORS ARE NOT DISQUALIFIED TO CARRY SUCH GOVERNMENT IMPELLED (PREFERENCE) CARGO(ES).

28. FURTHER DETAILS AND ADDITIONAL TERMS ARE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF FINCA INTERNATIONAL PROFORMA CHARTER PARTY CDSBO TO NICARAGUA (OCTOBER 2007) WHICH ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST FROM UNIVERSAL SHIPPING CO.

29. CHARTERERS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO ACCEPT OR REJECT ANY AND/OR ALL OFFERS.

30. A BROKERAGE COMMISSION IS PAYABLE BY OWNERS ON GROSS FREIGHT, DEADFREIGHT, AND DEMURRAGE. TWO-THIRDS OF 2.5 PERCENT TO BE PAID TO UNIVERSAL SHIPPING AND ONE-THIRD OF 2.5 PERCENT TO BE PAID TO OWNERS BROKER, IF OWNERS BROKER IS INVOLVED IN THE VESSEL FIXTURE, OR A FULL 2.5 PERCENT TO BE PAID TO UNIVERSAL SHIPPING IF THE VESSEL FIXTURE IS ARRANGED WITHOUT OWNERS BROKER.

31. OFFERS ARE TO BE RECEIVED BY SEALED LETTER, OR BY FAX NO. 301-330-0083 AT UNIVERSAL SHIPPING CO., 2101 GAITHER ROAD, SUITE 275, ROCKVILLE, MD 20850 NO LATER THAN 1400 HOURS WASHINGTON, D.C. TIME WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2007 AND ALL OFFERS MUST REMAIN VALID THROUGH NOON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2007 WASHINGTON, D.C. TIME. U.S. AND FOREIGN FLAG OFFERS WILL BE OPENED AND READ IN PUBLIC AT THAT PLACE AND TIME.

NO PHONE OFFERS WILL BE ACCEPTED. ONLY OFFERS WHICH ARE RESPONSIVE TO THIS IFB WILL BE CONSIDERED AND NO NEGOTIATION IS PERMITTED

OFFERS SUBJECT OPEN WILL ONLY BE CONSIDERED WITH THE SUBJECT OPEN RESTRICTION IS LIFTED PRIOR TO 1100 HOURS WASHINGTON, D.C. TIME THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2007.