Time charter – estoppel – inter-club agreement
The facts
NYK was the time charterer of the vessel. The time charter contained a USA clause paramount, incorporating the provisions of the United States Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1936.
The time charter also incorporated the New York Inter-Club Agreement for cargo claims.
The USA COGSA contains a one year time bar for cargo claims.
After an event giving rise to certain claims, correspondence was entered into between the time charterer’s P & I Club and the owner’s P & I Club in which it was agreed that claims would be governed by the provisions of the Inter-Club Agreement.
After the expiry of one year, the owner’s P & I Club addressed a letter to the charterer’s P & I Club acknowledging in terms that its members would abide by the terms and conditions of the Inter-Club Agreement.
The time charterer argued that the P & I Club letter founded a promissory estoppel.
Findings
Mr Justice Mocatta agreed with the charterer.
This content is restricted to site members. If you are an existing user, please login. New users may register below.