Nereide SpA di Navigazione v. Bulk Oil International Ltd. (The Laura Prima) - House of Lords (Lords Diplock, Fraser, Scarman, Roskill and Brandon) - 19 November 1981

Charterers liable for congestion delays at loading port under Exxonvoy 1969 form

The Laura Prima was chartered to the respondents on an Exxonvoy 1969 form dated 22 November 1978. The vessel arrived at her loading place in Libya at 01 40 on 27 November 1978 and gave notice of readiness, but she was unable to proceed to her loading berth until 16 30 on 6 December because all possible berths were occupied by other vessels. The charterers were not responsible for this situation nor was it in any way within their control. The relevant charterparty clauses were as follows: