MARC RICH & CO. A.G. AND OTHERS v. BISHOP ROCK MARINE CO. LTD. BETHMARINE CO. LTD. AND NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAI (THE “NICHOLAS H”)

[1994] 1 Lloyd's Rep. 492

COURT OF APPEAL

Before Lord Justice Balcombe, Lord Justice Mann and Lord Justice Saville

Negligence - Duty of care - Classification society - Vessel developed cracks in hull - Classification society surveyor recommended vessel continue on voyage to discharge port - Total loss of vessel and cargo - Cargo-owners claimed against classification society - Whether classification society owed duty of care to cargo-owners. Cargo - Classification society - Vessel developed cracks in hull - Surveyor recommended vessel continue to discharge port - Total loss of vessel and cargo - Whether classification society owed duty of care to cargo-owners.