It’s often said there’s a wide gulf between an isolated mistake by a mariner and the kind of systemic errors that cross the line into incompetence and seaworthiness. Others insist that gulf is really just a fine line. Wide gulf or fine line, The Happy Aras  [2025] explores this area after the vessel grounded and cargo interests refused $1.2m General Average contribution, arguing the ship was unseaworthy. After taking over the watch, the Master “cut the corner” to save distanc

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

Modern day route planning requires a balance between adhering to charterer-provided weather routing advise and Masters exercising their...

It’s not often we see courts looking at the technicalities of calculating under keel clearance (UKC) in great detail. The Arklow Valour...

If a ship is suitably equipped to safely navigate and is manned by competent crew, then can the crew’s failure to properly plan a passage...

Choice of route can affect how cargo is to be cared for, so can owners be held liable for choosing one over the other? In The Santa...

It is not often that Safety Management System of a shipping company is scrutinized by court. Surprisingly there have been two cases in...