Ali Reza-Delta Transport Co Ltd v United Arab Shipping Co SAG - Court of Appeal (Peter Gibson and Tuckey LJJ and Nelson J) - 2 May 2003

Damages - Assessing market value of equipment destroyed in Saudi Arabia

On 20 August 1996 a container of gas lighters exploded in the port of Damman, Saudi Arabia, destroying handling equipment belonging to the claimants, who were the terminal operators in the port. The container, which had been shipped to Damman by the defendant carriers, exploded whilst it was being moved by a straddle carrier and loaded onto a trailer drawn by a dock truck. The straddle carrier and the truck were damaged beyond repair. The trailer was also damaged, and the cost of repairing it was agreed at US$800.