Redelivery bunker quantities remain a topic of heated debate

Prokopios Krikris, marine claims specialist, asks why redelivery bunker quantities are continuing to provoke debate in the shipping industry

It is common ground that the charterers should redeliver the vessel with certain bunker quantities, and this necessitates the cooperation of both parties. But frequently in practice the charterers will not be able to fulfil their standing obligation for various reasons, which will act as either a “sword” or a “shield” for the charterers or for the owners.