The “Johanna Oldendorff” [1973] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 285
Issue:
- Valid tender of Notice of Readiness (NOR) when vessel is at anchorage
Ruling:
- NOR is valid if the vessel is “at immediate and effective disposition” of the charterer, even if outside port limits, subject to port custom.
Why it matters:
- Validity of NOR = start of laytime = directly affects demurrage claims
Source:
- Lloyd’s Law Reports, Volume 2 (1973), page 285 — Queen’s Bench Division (Commercial Court)
The “Mexico I” [1990] 1 Lloyd’s Rep 507
Issue:
- Does demurrage cover all damages for delay?
Ruling:
- Demurrage liquidates damages for delay only within laytime context. If delay occurs outside that context (e.g. wrongful detention), owners may claim additional damages.
Why it matters:
- Distinguishing demurrage vs. detention claims – important in disputes
The “Bonde” [1991] 1 Lloyd’s Rep 136
Issue:
- Whether vessel was ready to load when NOR was tendered
Ruling:
- A NOR is only valid if the vessel is physically and legally ready.
Why it matters:
- Invalid NOR = no laytime started = Charterer not on the hook for delay
Source:
- Lloyd’s Law Reports, Volume 1 (1991), page 136 — English High Court (Queen’s Bench Division, Commercial Court)
The “Stolt Spur” [2002] 1 Lloyd’s Rep 786
Issue:
- Laytime and demurrage in relation to chemical tankers (multi-grade, multi-parcel)
Ruling:
- For parcel tankers, demurrage must be fairly apportioned among the parcels unless otherwise agreed
Why it matters:
- Very relevant for Firstlink’s chemical chartering
Source:
- Lloyd’s Law Reports, Volume 1 (2002), page 786 — English High Court (Commercial Court)
The “Happy Day” [2002] EWCA Civ 1068
Issue:
- Whether invalid NOR becomes valid if not protested by charterer
Ruling:
- Charterer’s failure to protest may not always validate an otherwise invalid NOR
Why it matters:
- Cannot rely on silence to salvage a poor NOR – reinforces the need for accurate documentation
Source:
- England and Wales Court of Appeal (Civil Division), judgment available on BAILII and reported in [2002] EWCA Civ 1068
