Jun 15, 20212 minLimitation of liabilityError by crew / owner & Limitation of Liability in US Sluggish response to engine orders can get a ship into trouble, especially when there is a strong current. In the case of The American...
May 16, 20211 minBunkersContaminated bunkersDo you recall the Houston bunkers saga from 2018-19? Hundreds of vessels experienced mechanical failures due to contaminated bunkers....
May 9, 20211 minInsuranceUtmost good faith - owner not disclosing all factsThe doctrine of uberrimae fidei (utmost good faith) is an ancient one. Many countries have in the recent past moved away from it and...
May 9, 20211 minSale contractsMickey mouse nominations & sale contractsIf an FOB buyer makes a mickey mouse nomination, i.e. nominates a vessel that obviously cannot reach the load port in time, then is it a...
May 2, 20211 minBill of lading"Shipped in apparent good order and condition" - apparent to whom?A bill of lading will generally state that the cargo has been "shipped in apparent good order and condition". But apparent to whom –...
Apr 30, 20211 minMaritime lienUnpaid bunker invoices and no lien clauses in C/PIn some states, like in the US, ‘bunkers’ are considered as ‘necessaries’ and an unpaid bunker supplier has a maritime lien against the...
Apr 24, 20211 minLimitation of liabilityLimitation fund - where to constitute it?Ship owners and certain other parties are entitled to limit their liability for maritime claims basis the vessel’s tonnage. In which...
Apr 11, 20211 minAgentsOwner invoiced by port agents after Charterer goes bustIt is usually the time charterer who provides and pays for port agents. But if the charterer goes bankrupt, then can the agent look...
Feb 28, 20211 minAdmiraltyNarrow channel (Rule 9) vs. Crossing rule (Rule 15)Do the CROSSING RULES (rule 15) apply where an outbound vessel is navigating within a NARROW CHANNEL and the other vessel is approaching...
Jan 3, 20211 minSalvageSalvage of silver bars & state immunityFor salvage of silver bars that were sunk during World War II, a hefty salvage award is almost certain, untill a State Govt. steps in...
Dec 31, 20201 minInsuranceVessel torched under owners’ instructions - can insurance proceeds be claimed?Fire damaged vessel; a lengthy litigation over CTL issue, and then over wilful misconduct; police investigation against the shipowner; a...
Dec 31, 20201 minNavigationCollision in Singapore straits - crossing situationCrossing the traffic lanes in Singapore straits can be a nightmare. One of the Masters I sailed with, best summed it up as ‘every...