Afro Continental Nigeria Ltd. v. Meridian Shipping Co. S.A. (The Vrontados) - Court of Appeal (Lord Denning M.R., Ackner and O’Connor L.JJ.) - 7 April 1982

Service of writ on company not carrying on business within jurisdiction - Whether valid

The Vrontados was owned by a Panamanian one-ship company and flew the Liberian flag. The plaintiffs were cargo owners under bills of lading incorporating the Hague Rules. They claimed $81,330 against the defendant shipowners alleging short delivery and damage to the cargo. The discharge date was 20 January 1978. The one year time limit under the Hague Rules therefore would have expired on 20 January 1979, but the parties agreed to extend time so as to enable suit to be commenced at any time before 20 December 1980.