8/93

Vessel damaged by stevedores’ negligence - Synacomex charter - Whether charterers liable

The vessel was chartered on the Synacomex form for the carriage of rice. During the course of discharging, damage was caused to the 15-ton derrick at the ship’s no 1 hold. The owners contended that the damage was caused by the stevedores’ negligence. It was an F.I.O.S. charter, and the stevedores were appointed and paid by the cargo interests. Clause 5 of the charter read: