Vessel suitable for grab discharge - 1/79

Under a charter-party on the Gencon form it was warranted that the vessel was suitable for grab discharge. The vessel nominated was a three decker. During the discharge operation the grabs had torn up the cork and polystyrene insulation in the hold and contaminated the cargo. The charterers claimed damages from the owners on the ground of breach of warranty; the owners contended that she was suitable for grab discharge and also relied on cl.2 of the charter-party which limited the owners’ responsibility for damage to the cargo from faulty stowage.