Shipbroker’s document delay leads to US$24,000 demurrage settlement, ITIC warns
A shipbroker contributed US$24,000 towards a settlement of a demurrage dispute after delays in forwarding key documents complicated a claim between shipowners and charterers, according to a case highlighted by International Transport Intermediaries Club (ITIC) in its most recent Claims Review. The dispute concerned a demurrage claim, valued at approximately US$48,000, which the owners were ...
A shipbroker's delay in forwarding key documents resulted in a US$24,000 settlement for a demurrage dispute, according to the International Transport Intermediaries Club (ITIC). The dispute involved a US$48,000 claim by shipowners against charterers for delays at discharge. The broker's failure to pass on supporting documents complicated the owners' claim, as questions arose over whether all the necessary documentation had been provided in time.
ITIC assisted the shipbroker in negotiating a commercial settlement, given the weak liability and causation in the claim. Mark Brattman, ITIC's Claims Director, emphasized that shipbrokers play a crucial role in the information flow between owners and charterers. In this case, the delay reduced the owners' ability to address problems in their claim early, making liability difficult to rule out.
A commercial settlement was the sensible outcome, highlighting the importance of professional indemnity cover in assessing liability and negotiating resolutions.
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