Global Marine
Charterers’ Liability

From lost cargo and hull damage, to passenger, crew or third party injuries, charterers of a vessel are exposed to numerous responsibilities which can become costly liabilities.

Charterers liability is a specialist risk that is becoming increasingly prominent. Increasingly, charterers and cargo owners may be exposed to the cost of clean-up following a major incident.


Charterers’ liabilities generally fall under three broad categories:


  • Loss of or damage to the chartered vessel including damage caused by stevedores, an unsafe berth/port or use of the wrong fuel
  • Liabilities associated with cargo including loss, damage, late or incorrect
  • Other marine liability risks including death, injury or illness suffered by the crew or third parties, collision, pollution, salvage or fines

Charterers’ Liability coverage is not always a requirement but can prove beneficial in defending claims associated with the responsibility of the shipowner and includes cover for damage to hull and unsafe ports.

With supplementary Freight, Demurrage and Defence (FD&D) cover to insure against any legal costs or expenses resulting from pursuing or defending claims arising from contractual disputes, shipowners can access Protection & Indemnity (P&I) clubs’ resources for commercial disputes regarding charterparty terms. By working closely with P&I markets, specialist brokers can access maritime lawyers to shape legislation and draft charterparty contracts.