London Arbitration 9/97

Vessel grounded whilst approaching port of Matanzas on Orinoco River - Whether port unsafe - Whether charterers under obligation to use due diligence or under an absolute obligation

The vessel was chartered on the NYPE form. She was ordered to perform a voyage with a cargo of bulk bauxite to be discharged at Matanzas, on the Orinoco River. On 28 December the vessel arrived off the entrance to the Orinoco River. The pilot boarded and the vessel proceeded up river on 29 December.