London Arbitration 11/03

Delay - Owners delayed berthing of vessel at discharge port because original bills of lading unavailable - Whether charterers liable to pay damages for detention

A further issue arose in the arbitration noted above relating to damages for detention. The vessel arrived outside Swinoujscie and dropped anchor at 1430 on Tuesday 29 May. After delaying for just over one day because the original bills of lading were unavailable, the owners agreed to allow the vessel to enter the port. The pilot boarded at 2245 on 30 May, and she was all fast alongside in Swinoujscie at 0200 and with the gangway down at 0230 on 31 May. Lightening commenced at 1750 that evening.