When it comes to route selection, there can sometimes be a tension between charterers’ voyage orders and master’s navigational discretion. Three recent London Arbitration decisions—10/25, 11/25, and 12/25—demonstrate how tribunals approach this balance. The consistent thread is—the master may disregard charterers’ instructions if there are genuine safety reasons, supported by evidence. Route selection for convenience or where not supported by evidence will not be upheld. Lond
