Articles

These are challenging times for the maritime industry and the society at large. The early detection, prevention and control of COVID-19 cases onboard ships must therefore continue to be a number one priority, to protect the health of crews and passengers and to avoid further transmission of the virus.

The U.S. Supreme Court on March 30^th issued its decision in Citgo Asphalt Refining Co. (‘Carco’), et al. v. Frescati Shipping Co., Ltd. et al. (the ‘Athos I’ case), affirming the Third Circuit Court of Appeals holding that CARCO as sub-charterer was responsible, via the ‘safe berth’ clause in its sub-charter, to the vessel owner to indemnify for all of the costs of a major pollution cleanup.  The case is a cautionary tale of the wording of clauses which may apply to a party that is in the ‘chain’ of charter parties but was not an actual signatory to the contract containing the clause in question.

The International Group, in partnership with other shipping industry associations, have launched new best management practices to deter piracy and enhance maritime security off the coast of West Africa including the Gulf of Guinea.

One of the frequent questions coming to Gard Defence Lawyers is whether the COVID-19 pandemic falls within the various charterparty force majeure clauses. We are grateful to Brian Perrott, partner with HFW, and his colleagues for sharing their views.  

An organisation’s culture dictates how seafarers engage with their leaders on routine matters and leaders in the organisation have a significant impact on the organisational culture.

Canada further strengthens its vessel speed restriction scheme in the Gulf of St. Lawrence to help prevent collisions between endangered North Atlantic right whales and ships during the 2020 whale season.