The rapid spread of COVID-19, a novel coronavirus originating
from the Chinese city of Wuhan, is causing significant disruption
to a wide range of industries, both in China and internationally.
This disruption caused by COVID-19 has been felt particularly
acutely in respect of shipbuilding, as an industry dependent on the
employment of significant numbers of workers and the supply of
materials required for construction.
A number of shipyards have issued force majeure declarations
following the spread of COVID-19, in order to seek extensions to
the delivery date under their contracts. This article considers the
main legal issues concerning force majeure affecting both shipyards
and buyers in light of the rapid spread of COVID -19.
