ARGONAUT NAVIGATION COMPANY, LTD. v. MINISTRY OF FOOD.

(1948) 82 Ll.L.Rep. 223

COURT OF APPEAL.

Before Lord Justice Bucknill, Lord Justice Cohen and Lord Justice Singleton.

Charter-party - Demurrage - Loading - Bulk cargo-Stowage-Bagging of part cargo required by local regulations and for reasons of safety-Time occupied- Charter of Canadian ship to Ministry of Food - Ship to load at named Canadian ports (one port only) full and complete cargo of wheat in bulk- "Steamer to be loaded according to berth terms, with customary berth dispatch . . . charterer to pay demurrage . . . provided such detention shall occur by default of charterer"-Loading subject to local port regulations permitting ship to carry bulk grain to the full capacity of all lower holds, provided properly constructed feeders were fitted in the hatches and trunked in the 'tween decks-"All other grain in the 'tween decks . . . must be in bags"-Bagging also necessary for safety of ship-Loading commenced on Oct. 11, full amount of bulk cargo permitted by regulations being put on board by 8 45 a.m. on Oct. 17, when ship was already on demurrage- Further wheat loaded for purpose of bagging, ship being down to her marks by 1 p.m. - Bagging completed by stevedores (employed by shipowners) by 3 p.m.-Whether charterers liable for demurrage for both periods between 8 45 a.m. and 3 p.m. - Time of completion of loading - Whether bagging part of loading - Meaning of "loading."