HECTOR STEAMSHIP COMPANY, LTD. v. V/O SOVFRACHT.

(1944) 78 Ll.L.Rep. 275

KING'S BENCH DIVISION.

Before Mr. Justice Atkinson.

Charter-party - Hire - Time-charter - Re-delivery -Delay-Charter of steamer "for a period of about three calendar months" -"6. Should steamer be ordered on a voyage by which the charter period will be exceeded charterers to have the use of the steamer to enable them to complete the voyage but for any time exceeding termination date charterers to pay market rate if higher than rate stipulated herein." -"26. It is understood that the period 'about' is to read not exceeding ten days"-"34. Charterers have the option of continuing this charter for a further period of about one month, option one further month . . ."-Steamer delivered on June 7, 1939-Notice to exercise option given by charterers on Sept. 1- Delay on final voyage due to extraneous causes, re-delivery being effected on Dec. 16-Claim by owners for hire at market rate as from Oct. 17-Arbitration -Contention by charterers that hire period was extended by option to Oct. 27; also, that further hire was payable at charter rate-Finding of arbitrator that when the final voyage was ordered it was reasonable to conclude that it would be completed by Oct. 17.