Shipping amd container detention charges - Lloyds List Australia – Hazel Brasington

Some recent court decisions shed new light on the law concerning container detention charges, write Hazel Brasington and Dean Kambovski.

This article was originally published by Lloyd's List Australia and has been reproduced with permission.

Container detention charges – up in the air again?

Shipping companies would find it difficult to keep container stock moving efficiently without charging cargo interests a daily rate for overdue containers. For the most part, cargo interests accept this as a necessary evil, but overprotective container detention terms cause friction and have received airplay in Australian courts.

The English High Court, meanwhile, has recently taken a fresh look at whether escalating and unending charges can be enforced regardless of the circumstances. What does this all mean for Australia?