Shipping Lawyer Maritime Contract Law

Question 1

Which document serves as both a receipt for cargo and a contract of carriage in maritime shipping?

Accepted Answer

Bill of Lading

Answer

A bill of lading functions as a receipt for goods, evidence of the contract of carriage, and a document of title.

Question 2

Under a voyage charter party, who is responsible for paying port disbursements and cargo handling costs?

Accepted Answer

The shipowner

Answer

Under a voyage charter, the shipowner typically bears port costs and cargo handling unless the charter party expressly shifts these to the charterer.

Question 3

What clause in a charter party allows a shipowner to terminate the contract if the vessel is not ready by a specified date?

Accepted Answer

Cancelling clause

Answer

The cancelling clause gives the charterer (not the shipowner) the right to cancel if the vessel fails to arrive by the cancelling date.

Question 4

Which U.S. statute governs bills of lading for international cargo shipments from U.S. ports?

Accepted Answer

Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA)

Answer

COGSA, based on the Hague Rules, governs bills of lading for international cargo shipped to or from U.S. ports.

Question 5

What is 'laytime' in the context of a voyage charter party?

Accepted Answer

Time allowed for loading and discharging cargo

Answer

Laytime is the period allowed under the charter party for the charterer to load or discharge cargo without incurring demurrage.

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