ARTICLE · 04 FEBRUARY 2015

Does General Average cover piracy expenses?

Colin Biggers & Paisley

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The court held that expenses during a period of piracy were recoverable as substituted expenses in General Average.

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In brief - English High Court's decision highlights maritime law of General Average

The English High Court has held that various expenses incurred during a period of piracy of the vessel "Longchamp" off Somalia are recoverable as substituted expenses in General Average. The decision is likely to be reconsidered on appeal.

The decision of Deputy High Court Judge Stephen Hofmeyr QC in Mitsui & Co Ltd & Others v Beteiligungsgesellschaft LPG Tankerflotte MBH & Co KG (2014) EWHC 3445 (Comm) should be read by all interested in the law of General Average, as it includes a very clear exposition of the applicable law and the history of its development.

Shipowner incurs additional expenses during period of negotiation with pirates

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