The Shipowners’ Club: Novel Coronavirus – Implications for charterparties
The following article written for the Shipowners’ Club by Mr. Chen Zhida, Associate Director, Helmsman LLC law firm, analyzes two key clauses that may alter the rights and obligations of shipowners and charterers amid the coronavirus outbreak which has significantly disrupted global trade.
Last month, the Club issued a bulletin on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) which explained the origin of the virus and provided advice for Members whose vessels may be trading in affected areas.
As the outbreak continues, there are now threats of significant delays to shipments around the world and in particular, Asia. Chen Zhida, Associate Director of Helmsman LLC, provides advice for shipowners and charterers who may be concerned about the impact that COVID-19 may have on charterparties.
This article will consider two key clauses that may alter the rights and obligations of shipowners and charterers in light of COVID-19.