What is seaworthiness? Is it important? Why? If a ship is not seaworthy, why is this bad for a contract? What is a shipping contract?

Maritime Law

Hague – Visby Rules

“The vessel must be in such a state at the start of a voyage that it can perform the contract voyage in safety, both as regards the vessel itself and the particular cargo to be carried on the voyage.”

With reference to relevant case law, critically analyze the role of seaworthiness in the maritime contract.