March 12, 2021

Buying and Selling Ships

Due to recent market movements, we’ve seen an increase in sale and purchase instructions. Some clients are taking advantage of much improved pricing to reduce their exposure particularly in the container and bulk sectors. At the same time, some buyers see opportunity... Read more >

January 8, 2021

Incorporation of insurance provisions into bills of lading: shipowner entitled to seek piracy ransom payment from cargo owners

Herculito Maritime Ltd and others v Gunvor International BV and others (the “POLAR”) [2020] EWHC 3318 (Comm) For the first time, the English High Court has considered whether a war risks insurance clause (or equivalent) in a charterparty is incorporated into a bill of... Read more >

September 14, 2020

Supreme Court to hear Owners’ appeal in CMA Libra case

In late July the Supreme Court gave the ship owners permission to appeal the Court of Appeal’s unanimous decision in The CMA CGM Libra (1). Whilst the facts of this case are extensive, the main point of consideration is how to differentiate crew negligence (for which... Read more >

September 11, 2020

Eternal Bliss – New hope for owners carrying perishable cargoes

It has long been the case that those involved in the carriage of perishable goods are exposed to cargo claims where the ship is delayed. They are entitled to rely on the Hague Rules to defend such claims normally under the “inherent vice” exception or by relying on... Read more >

September 7, 2020

2020 LCIA Rules: an update to cater for modern times

On 11 August 2020, the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) released an updated set of Arbitration Rules. These replace the 2014 LCIA Rules and will take effect on 1 October 2020, applying to all arbitrations commenced on or after that date. The LCIA has... Read more >