Steamship Mutual

Safe Ports and Berths - FAQs

This FAQ summarises the legal and practical considerations around “safe port” and “safe berth” warranties in charterparties, which commonly arise where a vessel suffers damage, delay, or detention when approaching, using, or departing a port.

It outlines how courts assess “safety”, the types of risks that can render a port unsafe (physical and non physical), and the consequences for owners and charterers when conditions change before arrival or during the vessel’s stay.