Taokas Navigation SA v Komrowski Bulk Shipping KG (GmbH & Co) & Ors [2012] EWHC 1888 (Comm) (11 July 2012)

Taokas Navigation SA v Komrowski Bulk Shipping KG (GmbH & Co) & Ors [2012] EWHC 1888 (Comm) (11 July 2012)

Owners are not precluded from relying on CONWARTIME 2004 clause to refuse voyage instructions to Mombasa, Kenya, even absent material change in risk after charterparty date, as the charterparty terms and factual context do not show acceptance of piracy risk for Kenya.

Citation
[2012] EWHC 1888 (Comm)
Parties
Owner: Taokas Navigation SA; Charterer: Komrowski Bulk Shipping KG (GmbH & Co); Sub Charterer: Kent Line International Ltd.; Sub Sub Charterer: Solym Carriers Ltd
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
11 July 2012
Procedural Posture
Appeal Under Arbitration Act 1996 S.69 / Judgment on Appeal
Outcome
Appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
War Risks Clause, Charterparty Interpretation, Piracy, Contractual Construction
Shipping Arbitration Commercial Law War Risks Clause Charterparty Interpretation Piracy Contractual Construction

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Parties

Taokas Navigation SA

Owner

Komrowski Bulk Shipping KG (GmbH & Co)

Charterer

Kent Line International Ltd.

Sub Charterer

Solym Carriers Ltd

Sub Sub Charterer

Procedural Posture

Appeal Under Arbitration Act 1996 S.69 / Judgment on Appeal

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether owners are precluded from relying on CONWARTIME 2004 clause to refuse voyage instructions absent material change in risk after charterparty date

Ratio Decidendi

Owners are not precluded from relying on CONWARTIME 2004 clause to refuse voyage instructions to Mombasa, Kenya, even absent material change in risk after charterparty date, as the charterparty terms and factual context do not show acceptance of piracy risk for Kenya.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed

Orders

  • No order for owners to perform voyage to Mombasa
  • Charterers not entitled to damages for refusal