Cargo on Board: When Does Liability Extend to the Shipowner?
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.
A customs issue affecting cargo does not necessarily make the shipowner responsible, nor does it automatically make the vessel liable for the consequences of the dispute.
The underlying issue may concern cargo documents, the nature of the goods, declared value, tariff classification or import requirements, matters that may fall within the responsibility of the shipper, importer, receiver or other cargo interests.
At the same time, the vessel may be directly affected through delays in loading or discharge, extended port stay, additional expenses or claims for delay.
Liability must therefore be determined by examining the nature of the obligation in dispute, the responsible party, the bill of lading or charterparty, and each party's role in customs clearance.
This distinction is particularly important for bulk cargo, containerised cargo and general cargo, where responsibilities may be divided among several parties.
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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