London Arbitration 4/22

Charterparty – Covid-19 pandemic – Master insisting that pilots at discharge port take temperatures with mercury thermometer before embarking on vessel – Pilots refusing to comply – Vessel consequently missing berthing slot and incurring delay – Whether vessel off-hire – Whether “default” of officers or crew – Whether vessel “put back” by reason of master’s failure to perform duties in breach of charter – Whether hire suspended or owners in breach of charter

The subject vessel was time-chartered by disponent owners (owners) on an amended NYPE form for a time charter trip via Indonesia to South China. She loaded a cargo of coal in Indonesia before proceeding to the nominated discharge port in China.