Effective from 25th April 2017
These terms and conditions apply to all dealings between You and the Broker and will be effective whenever you request the Broker to provide Services or You respond to the Broker in relation to the provision of Services. These terms and conditions create a legally binding agreement between You and the Broker (You, Broker and Services are defined below).
In these terms and conditions the following definitions apply
“Broker”
The company of the Broker Group which shall have been requested to provide Services by You or to which You have responded in relation to the provision of Services.
“Grieg Shipbroker Group” comprises Grieg Shipbroker KS and its associated and subsidiary companies (including but not limited to Grieg Shipbrokers Ltd., London, UK, Grieg Shipbrokers Asia Pte. Ltd, Singapore and Grieg Shipbrokers Asia Ltd. Hong Kong )
“Fixture”
A contract or contracts including but not limited to for the sale, purchase, construction, towage or charter of a Ship together with negotiations to enter such contracts.
“Negotiations”
Exchanges, whether verbal or in writing, in relation to concluding a Fixture.
“Post Fixture Services”
Assistance with communications, operational matters and claims arising from the performance of a Fixture.
“Principal”
A party to a Fixture including the owner, seller, buyer, builder or charterer of a ship and any party guaranteeing the obligations of such a party. Principal may include You.
“Representative”
A person or company, including but not limited to a ship manager, chartering department, shipbroker or other agent, who is not a Principal but is involved in negotiations on behalf of a Principal.
“Services”
The Services referred to in clause 2 of these terms and conditions.
“Ship”
Any type of ship, other vessel and/or equipment used or intended to be used for any purpose on, in or over water including but not limited to rigs, jack ups, submersibles, and barges.
“You”
The party requesting the Broker’s services or responding to the Broker in relation to the provision of the Services. Where such party is acting as a Representative references to You will additionally include the Principal. The above definitions apply whether the defined words appear in the singular or plural form.
2.1 The Broker will act as a shipbroker in relation to Fixtures. The role of the Broker is to Principals. Thereafter the broker will assist the Principals and/or their Representatives as a channel for Negotiations as well as providing such Post Fixture Services as may be agreed or provided by the Broker
2.2 Unless specifically agreed in writing the Broker will act solely as an intermediary in relation to Fixtures and will not enter any Fixtures arising from the Services as a Principal. The Broker is not responsible for the performance or non performance of Fixtures or Principals.
2.3 Unless otherwise agreed the Services are provided on a Fixture by Fixture basis.
2.4 The Broker may also agree to perform other tasks such as providing ship valuations and/or specific market research. Such tasks may be subject to specific provisions (such as the wording of a valuation certificate) in addition to these terms and conditions. In the event of, and only to the extent of, a conflict between these terms and conditions and the specific provisions the latter will prevail. Otherwise these terms and conditions, including those as to limitation of liability, will apply.
3.1 The Broker will perform the Services with the reasonable skill and care expected of a professional shipbroker.
3.2 In dealing with others the Broker will take care to stay within the authority given by You and to avoid misrepresentation.
3.3 During negotiations the Broker undertakes to pass on offers, counteroffers and other such communications accurately and in a timely manner. This obligation applies both to passing communications to and from You.
3.4 It is understood that the Broker may be dealing with Representatives or other intermediaries rather than directly with a Principal. In such cases the Broker is dealing with such Representatives or other intermediaries in good faith as to the authority they possess but the Broker does not give a warranty as to that authority.
3.5 If the Broker is acting directly for a Principal then the Broker warrants that the Broker has the authority of that Principal.
3.6 If at any time the Broker provides information in respect of a Principal, including but not limited to information regarding corporate structures or financial standing, it is understood and agreed that in relation to the Broker such information is provided in good faith but without guarantee. It is the sole obligation of the Principal to satisfy themselves of any counterparty risk and decide whether to enter a Fixture with the proposed counterparty and on what terms.
3.7 Unless otherwise agreed in writing the Services are not provided on an exclusive basis and it is understood that the Broker may act as a shipbroker for other parties in relation to the same or other Fixtures. In the event the Broker is dealing directly with two Principals in relation to the same Fixture the Broker’s duties will be to pass on offers, counteroffers and other such communications accurately and in a timely manner as authorised by each Principal in turn.
Where the Broker is given information stated by You to be on a confidential basis or it is expressly agreed that a Fixture is confidential (in either case “Confidential Information”) the broker will hold that Confidential Information in confidence and will not disclose it to any other party without prior permission from You. This obligation will not however extend to information which (i) was already or becomes known to the Broker through other sources not subject to such an obligation of confidentiality (ii) is or becomes known to the market generally other than as a result of a breach of this obligation or (iii) which the Broker is obliged to disclose pursuant to an order of a court or other such authority. In all cases such obligation of confidentiality shall be deemed to end 3 years after the end of performance of the Fixture in question or in the absence of a concluded Fixture 3 years from the end of the Negotiations.
5.1 If You are a Principal you warrant that you have full legal power to enter into the Fixture brought about by the Services. If You are acting as a Representative You warrant that you have the Principal’s authority (i) to accept these terms and conditions on their behalf and (ii) to make all offers, counteroffers and representations made during negotiations and (iii) to agree a Fixture on their behalf.
5.2 Where Services are provided You are deemed to have engaged the Broker in relation to any Fixture that arises in connection with those Services whether or not it is concluded via the Broker.
5.3 You will provide the Broker with all information and instructions necessary for the performance of the Services. Where actions need to be taken by a certain time (such as reply times during negotiations) you will ensure the Broker has sufficient time to forward such messages prior to the relevant time limit.
5.4 In relation to Post Fixture Services if the Broker has asked you to use specific e-mail addresses for operational messages or claims then You will use those e-mail addresses. In the event that you do not receive a prompt acknowledgement of receipt of time sensitive messages or claims documentation from the Broker you undertake to contact the Broker to confirm receipt. The Broker will have no responsibility for a failure to action a message or claims documentation unless it is sent timely to the correct address and acknowledged by the Broker.
5.5 You will take care to avoid misrepresentations occurring in Negotiations. You will carefully review all messages sent or copied to You and promptly advise the Broker of any errors or misrepresentations. The Broker is not responsible for the consequences of a failure by You to review messages.
5.6 You warrant that You do not know of any reason why the Fixture could be unlawful or which could render the provision of the Services by the Broker in breach of any relevant law, including but not limited to (i) sanctions imposed by the United Nations, European Union, The United States of America or any national government having authority over You, the Broker, a Representative or a Principal (ii) laws relating to money laundering, bribery and corruption. You will promptly and fully inform the Broker of any such reason that comes to your attention. In the event that the Broker in their absolute discretion believes that the Fixture or the provision of the Services may infringe such laws they may by written notice terminate the Services immediately. In the event of such termination the broker will have no liability arising from such termination howsoever arising.
If the broker publishes market reports or commentary these are provided for general information only and not for use in relation to specific Fixtures. Such market reports do not constitute advice and nothing contained in such documents amounts to a recommendation to enter or not to enter a Fixture and the Broker has no liability for the consequences of any person, including You, purporting to rely on such market reports.
7.1 On Fixtures the Broker’s remuneration will (unless otherwise agreed) be in the form of a commission on the freight, hire or purchase price as the case may be. The level of commission payable and the party responsible for payment will be set out in the Negotiations.
7.2 If the commission payable to the Broker is recorded in a commission clause or in a specific commission agreement then commission will be payable in accordance with that clause or agreement. The Broker will be deemed to have acted in reliance on the insertion of that clause and assented to the terms of the commission clause governing their right to commission.
7.3 If You are the party agreed to be responsible for paying the commission you undertake to make the payment or payments promptly. If You are not the party responsible for making the commission payment You expressly agree to the making of provision for such commission in the Fixture.
7.4 Nothing in these terms will prevent the Broker from enforcing a commission clause or other clause conferring a benefit on them as a third party in accordance with the terms of the Fixture.
7.5 In the absence of any specific provisions in the commission clause on voyage charters commission is payable on deadfreight and demurrage as well as on freight. Freight shall include all items that comprise the freight rate. On time charters commission will be payable on the hire paid under the charter and any continuation or extension of the charter. On sale agreements commission is payable on delivery of the vessel and payment of the purchase price. On new building contracts commission is payable as and when each stage payment is made. Commission is payable on sums received by You as and when received and You will not withhold payment pending resolution of unconnected matters. Commission is exclusive of all taxes and duties.
7.6 The tasks in clause 2.4 above will be subject to the agreement of a specific fee between You and the Broker. The Broker will invoice You at the completion of the Services or at such other times and in such stages as may have been agreed. You will pay that fee within 30 days of the date of the invoice.
7.7 If the amount of commission or fee and/or the manner of its payment is not specifically agreed a reasonable commission or fee will be payable in accordance with market practice.
THIS CLAUSE LIMITS THE BROKER’S LIABILITY TO YOU.
8.1 Nothing in these terms and conditions limits the Broker’s liability for
(i) fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation
(ii) death or personal injury caused by the negligence of the Broker.
8.2 The Broker will, subject to the provisions of this clause 8, be liable to You for damage directly caused by the failure to perform the Services with the reasonable skill and care expected of a professional shipbroker provided always the Broker will not be liable for:
(i) Loss of profits, business interruption, loss of reputation, indirect or consequential losses.
(ii) Damage caused by any event or cause that the Broker was unable to avoid and/or the consequences of which could not have been prevented by the exercise of reasonable diligence.
(iii) Damage which was not solely caused by the act or omission of the Broker or which would have occurred in any event.
8.3 The Brokers total liability arising from or in connection with the Services shall in no circumstances exceed the sum of USD 1,000,000
8.4 The exclusions and/or limitations set out in this clause shall apply whether the claim against the Broker is bought in contract, tort (including for negligence) breach of statutory duty or for any other cause whatsoever.
8.5 Any claim against the Broker must be made in writing and notified to the Broker within 14 days of the date on which You became aware or ought to have become aware of the circumstances giving rise to the claim and any claim not so notified shall be deemed waived and time barred. The Broker shall in any event be discharged of all liability arising out of the Services unless suit is brought and written notice of it given to the Broker within one year of the end of performance of the Fixture or in the absence of a concluded Fixture 1 year from the end of the Negotiations.
9.1 All intellectual property rights in or arising out of the Services belong to the Broker.
9.2 The Broker has a general lien on all documents in its possession or control for all sums due from You to the Broker whether arising out or the Fixture or otherwise.
9.3 If a court finds that any provision of these terms and conditions is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that provision shall, to the minimum extent required, be deemed deleted and the validity, legality and enforceability of the remainder of that and all other provisions of these terms and conditions shall not be affected.
These terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales and any dispute shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.
This document sets out the tax strategy undertaken by the Grieg Group to satisfy the UK statutory obligation under Para 16(2), Schedule 19, Finance Act 2016; setting out the Grieg Group`s general arrangements in relation to UK taxation, the attitude to tax planning and dealings with HM Revenue and Customs (‘HMRC’) as well as the group’s approach to tax risk management. In this document, references to ‘Grieg UK’ and the ‘group’ are to all the Grieg Group`s UK companies as set out in Appendix A.
Grieg’s core business covers three main areas, offering services to customers worldwide with over 1,900 committed and enthusiastic employees. These areas cover shipping and logistics, where our services range from efficient port handling to designing and operating vessels; investing, ensuring that each investment has a meaningful impact on the group’s portfolio; and seafood, operating as one of the world’s leading fish farming companies, specialising in salmon.
The Grieg Group is managed with a core principle that we do what we say throughout the business in all aspects, including our tax strategy.
The overall tax strategy of Grieg UK is to remain open and honest while being compliant with all applicable UK tax rules. We organise the group and structure our transactions in the most tax efficient manner possible.
One of Grieg’s core values is to be open and honest and this carries through into the tax strategy of the group, ensuring that we are transparent and act as a responsible taxpayer in the UK. We act with integrity and professionally with regards to UK tax matters.
The strategy requires Grieg UK to ensure that all applicable laws and regulations are complied with. Implementation of internal controls and risk management aid in ensuring that this is achieved and that we remain compliant.
Grieg UK’s internal control policy requires that the group’s goals will be achieved in complying with all laws and regulations – including UK taxation rules. Grieg therefore maintains that all of our affairs are structured in such a way that are in accordance with relevant tax legislation.
Tax is considered with every major transaction and thus is an integral aspect of every significant business decision in Grieg UK.
Grieg UK do not take an aggressive tax position and therefore we are not prepared to accept a high level of risk.
External advice and guidance is often sought where transactions or other affairs lead to increased or significant risk in relation to remaining compliant with UK tax laws and legislation.
Obtaining external advice on transactions with complex taxation consequences forms part of Grieg UK’s tax planning strategy and ensures that the company operates in a tax efficient manner.
Where necessary, Grieg UK will seek to liaise with the relevant tax authorities when interpretation of tax law may not be certain and judgement must be applied in order to mitigate the level of tax risk.
Grieg’s principle of being open and acting with honesty extends to all dealings with tax authorities, including HMRC, remaining fully cooperative and transparent in all interactions with the relevant authorities.
Grieg ensures that all dealings with tax authorities are approached with respect, integrity and veracity.
There may be areas where interpretation of certain tax law differs between parties and when this occurs we ensure that feedback is obtained with ongoing and proactive communication with the tax authorities in order to bring about a fair and swift conclusion.
1. Innledning
Denne redegjørelsen er utarbeidet av Grieg Shipbrokers KS i henhold til åpenhetsloven § 5.
2. Virksomhetens organisering
Grieg Shipbrokers KS driver skipsmegling innenfor befraktning av tørrlast, gass, kjemikalier, offshore samt kjøp, salg, kontrahering og finansiering av alle typer skip. Selskapet har sitt hovedkontor i Bergen samt kontorer i Oslo og London. Selskapet har 40 ansatte.
Selskapet eies 55 % av Grieg Gruppen gjennom Grieg Maturitas II AS og 45 % av medarbeidere i selskapet gjennom Joachim Grieg Partners AS.
3. Virksomhetens rutiner for menneskerettigheter
Grieg Shipbrokers støtter fullt opp om og respekterer grunnleggende menneskerettigheter og anstendige arbeidsforhold i virksomheten, og forventer og arbeider for at selskapets leverandører og forretningspartnere gjør det samme.
Grieg Gruppen vier stor oppmerksomhet til arbeidet med menneskerettigheter. Gruppen har en Human Rights Policy, som omfatter alle selskapene i konsernet, samt rutiner for gjennomføringen av aktsomhetsvurderinger og arbeidet med åpenhetsloven på konsernnivå. Se Grieg Gruppens nettside for mer informasjon om arbeidet med menneskerettigheter og aktsomhetsvurderinger på konsernnivå.
I tillegg til å være omfattet av konsernets arbeid med menneskerettigheter, har Grieg Shipbrokers KS egne rutiner for å ivareta menneskerettigheter og anstendige arbeidsforhold i virksomheten og blant leverandører og forretningspartnere. Selskapet har en egen Human Rights Policy, der selskapets overordnede arbeid med menneskerettigheter er nedfelt. Selskapet har videre en egen rutine for arbeidet med åpenhetsloven, herunder gjennomføringen av aktsomhetsvurderinger, som er vedtatt av styret. Se nærmere om selskapets aktsomhetsvurderinger nedenfor.
Grieg Shipbrokers stiller krav og forventninger til sine leverandører om ivaretakelse av menneskerettigheter og arbeidsforhold, dette er blant annet dekket av selskapets Supplier Code of Conduct. Forventningene om ivaretakelse av menneskerettigheter er videre kommunisert på selskapets nettside. Selskapet har rutiner for å vurdere og følge opp risikoen ved leverandører og forretningspartnere.
Ansvaret for arbeidet med aktsomhetsvurderinger ligger hos administrasjonen, og arbeidet inngår som en del av compliance-rapporteringen til styret. Øvrige ansatte er involvert i arbeidet som relevant. Alle ansatte er kjent med selskapets menneskerettighetsrutiner som en del av selskapets compliance-opplæring/-rutiner. Generelt har selskapet korte linjer mellom ansatte, og en god informasjonsflyt. Dette gir en fordel i arbeidet. Selskapet har egne etiske retningslinjer og varslingsrutiner.
4. Virksomhetens aktsomhetsvurderinger overordnet
Minimum en gang i året foretar selskapet en større kartlegging og vurdering av risikoen for faktiske og potensielle negative konsekvenser for grunnleggende menneskerettigheter og anstendige arbeidsforhold i egen virksomhet og i leverandørkjeden og blant forretningspartnere (jf. åpenhetsloven § 3 d og e). Ytterligere vurderinger gjennomføres fortløpende gjennom året dersom forholdene tilsier det, herunder ved inngåelsen av nye avtaleforhold. Arbeidet inngår som en del av selskapets andre compliance-rutiner.
Aktsomhetsvurderingene foretas på bakgrunn av flere ulike momenter, som størrelse på avtaler, kontroll/innflytelse og særlig risikoen for negativ påvirkning på menneskerettigheter eller arbeidsforhold. Blant risikomomentene er særlig geografisk risiko, bransjerisiko og type risiko (f.eks. tvangsarbeid, barnearbeid, diskriminering og andre arbeidsforhold). Vurderingene gjennomføres på bakgrunn av tilgjengelige kilder som rapporter, ressurssider om risiko, leverandørdatabaser, medieoppslag, leverandører/forretningspartneres styringsdokumenter og sertifiseringer, leverandørdialog, innhentet informasjon mv. Hvis ansett nødvendig, vil stedlig tilsyn eller stikkprøver gjennomføres.
Basert på den generelle kartleggingen av risiko, foretar selskapet en nærmere vurdering av eventuelle identifiserte risikoområder med sikte på oppfølgingstiltak, hvis ansett nødvendig.
5. Resultater fra seneste aktsomhetsvurderinger
Selskapet foretok høsten 2022 en kartlegging og vurdering av selskapets forretningsvirksomhet, leverandørkjede og forretningspartnere i henhold til selskapets rutiner etter åpenhetsloven. Vurderingene har deretter blitt oppdatert og fulgt opp som nødvendig.
Alle leverandører og forretningspartnere med en innkjøpssum på over NOK 15 000 seneste år var inkludert. Leverandørene/forretningspartnerne ble rangert ut fra forskjellige risikoparametere, som vist til overfor. Selskapet har generelt få og forholdsvis små leverandører (sett i lys av innkjøpssum), og den klare majoriteten er norske. Særlig de utenlandske leverandørene/forretningspartnerne, som stort sett er fra Europa, ble vurdert nærmere. Disse tilhører gjennomgående bransjer der det generelt er lav risiko for utnyttelse av arbeidskraft og brudd på menneskerettigheter/arbeidsforhold.
Selskapets aktsomhetsvurderinger har så langt ikke avdekket faktiske negative konsekvenser eller vesentlig risiko for negative konsekvenser. Det har følgelig heller ikke vært behov for å iverksette særskilte tiltak ut over selskapets generelle oppfølging av leverandører/forretningspartnere.
Generelt anses risikoen for at selskapet forårsaker eller bidrar til brudd på grunnleggende menneskerettigheter og anstendige arbeidsforhold som lav. Det samme gjelder risikoen som selskapet er direkte knyttet til gjennom leverandørkjede og forretningspartnere. Undersøkelsene har vist at dårlige arbeidsforhold i leverandørkjeden er selskapets største risiko. Det må imidlertid presiseres at også denne risikoen anses for å være lav. Selskapet har som nevnt relativt sett få leverandører/ forretningspartnere, og disse er stort sett norske og veletablerte selskaper. Selskapets leverandørkjede består i all hovedsak av aktører innen bransjer der risikoen for brudd på menneskerettigheter og arbeidsforhold anses lav, f.eks. konsulenttjenester, analyse, IT-service og meglertjenester.
If you have any questions related to our work on human rights, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at gs.compliance@grieg.no