United States of America v. Ultramar Shipping Co. Inc. and others (The Ultramar) - U.S. District Court (S.D.N.Y.) (Brieant Ch.J.) - 1 September 1987

Whether carrier liable for cargo loss after cargo discharged into lighter - Applicability of Harter Act

Pursuant to a contract of affreightment dated 26 March 1987, the U.S. government consigned a cargo of bulk wheat from U.S. West Coast ports to Chittagong and Chalna in Bangladesh aboard the vessel Ultramar . The contract provided that cargo was to be delivered at discharging ports as per bills of lading, and that any lightening to reach safe draft and berth at discharge ports was to be for owners’ account.