Stolt Tankers Inc v Landmark Chemicals SA (The "Stolt Spur") - QBD (Com Ct)(Andrew Smith J) - 21 December 2001

Laytime - Vessel unable to reach berth stipulated under voyage charterparty because of congestion - Shipowner making use of delay by carrying out cargo operations under other charterparties - Such operations not causing any delay in reaching stipulated berth - Whether laytime or time on demurrage interrupted whilst ship engaged in operations under other charterparties

The question of law on this appeal to the High Court was "whether (in the absence of any relevant provision in the governing voyage charterparty) laytime or time on demurrage is interrupted because, while the vessel is waiting for charterers' berth to become available, she engages in operations in respect of cargo carried under another charterparty".