Your Cargo Is Delayed at an Egyptian Port: Who Pays the Extra Costs?
Prepared by the Maritime & Admiralty Team at Soliman Advocates
This article has been prepared by the firm's maritime lawyers as part of Soliman Advocates' Maritime Legal Insights series, drawing on the team's experience in Egyptian maritime law and shipping disputes.
Cargo may be delayed at an Egyptian port due to a customs procedure, inspection, missing documentation or a regulatory approval.
The key question is not simply why the cargo was delayed, but who bears the costs resulting from that delay.
Such costs may include storage, detention, demurrage, port charges and other expenses affecting the vessel or cargo.
Liability cannot be determined merely because the delay occurred at the port or resulted from a customs procedure. It requires identifying the actual cause of the delay, the party responsible for the outstanding requirement, and the obligations imposed by the sale contract, bill of lading or charterparty.
It is also important to distinguish between delays attributable to the cargo owner or importer and those arising from matters for which the shipowner, charterer or shipper may be responsible, depending on the circumstances and contractual arrangements.
This is particularly important for foreign exporters, shipowners and charterers, as the cost of a prolonged delay may ultimately far exceed the value of the original customs issue.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific matter. Liability and procedures may vary depending on the cargo, contractual arrangements, facts and applicable regulations. For advice concerning a specific matter, professional legal consultation is recommended.
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