Fimbank Plc (Appellant) v KCH Shipping Co Ltd (Respondent)
Case ID: UKSC 2023/0085
Case summary
Issues
Whether the one-year time limit in Article III, rule 6 of the Hague Visby Rules applies to claims for mis-delivery of cargo after discharge of the cargo from the vessel.
Facts
The appellant (FIMBank plc) was the holder of 13 bills of lading dated either 4th or 14th March 2018 covering a cargo of approximately 85,510 metric tons of steam coal which was shipped in bulk on board the vessel "GIANT ACE" in Indonesia and discharged in India between 1st and 18th April 2018. The respondent (KCH Shipping Co Ltd) was the demise charterer of the vessel and the contractual carrier under the bills of lading. The bills of lading incorporated the terms of a charterparty which stated that the Hague-Visby Rules shall apply to any bill of lading issued under the charterparty.
The appellant claims damages from the respondent for mis-delivery of the cargo to persons who are not entitled to receive it. The alleged mis-delivery occurred after discharge of the cargo from the vessel at the destination port, Jaigarh port on the west coast of India. The appellant argues that the Hague Visby Rules apply only to carriage by sea, which ends on discharge of the cargo from the vessel and the Hague Visby Rules therefore cease to apply thereafter. As such the appellant says that its claim for mis-delivery after discharge falls within the six-year time limit set down in the Limitation Act 1980.
The respondent argues that the Hague Visby Rules as a whole apply to all obligations undertaken by the carrier under the bill of lading contract up to and including delivery and, in any event, Article III, rule 6 specifically applies up to and including delivery, irrespective of whether delivery occurs prior to or after discharge of the cargo from the vessel. The appellant was unsuccessful both in the High Court and the Court of Appeal. It now appeals to the Supreme Court.
Judgment appealed
Parties
Appellant(s)
Fimbank P.L.C
Respondent(s)
KCH Shipping Co., Ltd
Appeal
Justices
Lord Hodge, Lord Sales, Lord Hamblen, Lord Richards, Lord Leggatt
Hearing start date
17 July 2024
Hearing finish date
18 July 2024