Introduction:
In international trade, sea transportation plays a vital role in the movement of goods from one country to another. A key component of this process is the sea freight contract which is a legally binding agreement between the freight owner and the shipping company. This agreement sets out the terms and conditions of the transportation, and defines the scope of responsibility of both parties. To help businesses establish a solid sea freight contract for their intercontinental shipments, we are providing a standard template of a sea freight contract in English.
Sea Freight Contract Template:
The Sea Freight Contract is hereby entered by and between the carrier and the shipper, regarding the goods as described in this contract to be shipped by sea. This agreement is subject to the following terms and conditions:
1: The goods shall be delivered to the carrier at the port of loading in the same condition and quantity as they were received by the shipper. The shipper shall ensure that the goods are adequately packed for sea shipment.
2: The carrier shall transport the goods with due care and diligence, using the appropriate means of transportation and route to reach the port of discharge as specified in the contract.
3: The carrier shall be responsible for the loading, stowage and discharge of the goods on board the vessel, and shall bear any and all costs incurred for this purpose.
4: The carrier shall be liable for any loss or damage to the goods during transportation or while in the carrier’s custody, except in cases of force majeure, where the carrier shall not be held liable.
5: The shipper shall be responsible for obtaining all transport documents required for the export, import and transit of the goods, and shall ensure that they conform to the regulations of the countries of origin and destination.
6: In case of delay or deviation from the route, the carrier shall promptly inform the shipper of the circumstances and propose alternative solutions to minimize the effects of the delay.
7: The contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the country where the carrier is registered and any disputes arising out of or in connection with this agreement shall be resolved through arbitration.
Conclusion:
A sea freight contract is a crucial document for businesses involved in international trade, it sets out the legal framework for shipping goods by sea. Both the shipper and carrier should carefully review and agree on the terms and conditions of the contract before shipment. The template provided above is a standard example and should be used solely as a reference for drafting a comprehensive sea freight contract that meets the specific requirements of your business.