Palm Shipping Inc. v. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (The Sea Queen) - Q.B.D. (Com.Ct.) (Saville J.) - 2 December 1987

Laytime - Delay in berthing due to causes beyond charterers’ control - Laura Prima decision followed

The vessel Sea Queen was chartered for a voyage from the Arabian Gulf to a range of discharging ports. The vessel arrived off the loading port, Mina al Ahmadi, at 06 55 on 1 January 1985 and tendered notice of readiness. There was then a delay. Until 14 00 on the same day the tugs required for berthing were engaged in berthing other vessels, and from then on until 22 15 on 3 January bad weather prevented berthing. The vessel finally berthed at 00 35 on 4 January. The charterers had designated Berth 12 for the vessel and that berth had remained unoccupied throughout the period of delay. The charterers had no control over the tugs or the day-to-day running of the port installation.