Dow Chemical (Nederland) B.V. v. BP Tanker Co. Ltd. (The Vorras) - Court of Appeal (Sir John Donaldson M.R., Kerr L.J. & Sir Sebag Shaw) - 13 December 1982

Laytime - Meaning of phrase “72 running hours, weather permitting” in Beepeevoy 2 form

The Vorras was chartered on the Beepeevoy 2 form to proceed one port Algeria to load a cargo of petroleum products for carriage to one or two ports UK, Continent range. She arrived at the loading port on 15 December 1980 and tendered notice of readiness. When the Vorras arrived, the loading berth was occupied by another vessel, which left on the evening of 16 December 1980. However, within a very short time the port was closed due to bad weather and remained closed until 20 December when yet another vessel occupied the loading berth. This vessel eventually left on 26 December, but her loading was interrupted by bad weather. After she left, the port was again closed due to bad weather and the Vorras only went on the berth on 28 December. Thereafter, her loading was continually delayed by bad weather.