One of the recurring issues in handling maritime wrongful death and personal injury claims is determining what information is sufficient to start the vessel owner’s six-month deadline to file a complaint seeking exoneration or limitation of liability under the Shipowners’ Limitation of Liability Act, 46 U.S.C. § 30501 et seq. from that claim. It is… Continue Reading
Monthly Archives: February 2012
Costa Concordia – Lessons Learned and Path Forward
Posted in Marine Services, Maritime Contracts, Ports & Cargo ShippingWhen the Costa Concordia ran aground on a reef off Giglio Island near the Tuscan coast of Italy last month, owners and insurers of vessels certainly paid attention. How could they not? The incident was the most noteworthy shipping casualty since the Exxon Valdez disaster, and it is now being called the biggest ever shipping… Continue Reading
When No Privity of Contract Qualifies as “Any Contractual Relationship” under OPA
Posted in Marine Services, Maritime ContractsTransactions to procure supplies for vessels engaged in international trade typically involve numerous international and local brokers, agents and contractors. The vessel operator or charterer will place an order for supplies with a broker. The broker locates a seller with the best price and reputation in the vicinity of the vessel. The seller makes arrangements… Continue Reading