MacWilliam (JI) Co Inc v Mediterranean Shipping Co SA (The Rafaela S)

Subject Matter

SHIPPING — Limitation of liability — Carrier's liability — Straight bill of lading — Whether Hague Rules applying — Whether “bill of lading or any similar document of title” — Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1971, s 1(4), Sch 1, art I(b)

[2005] UKHL 11; [2005] 2 AC 423; [2005] 2 WLR 554; [2005] 2 All ER 86; [2005] 1 All ER (Comm) 393; [2005] 1 Lloyd's Rep 347; [2005] 1 CLC 172; The Times, 21 February 2005, HL(E)

SHIPPING — Limitation of liability — Carrier's liability — Straight consigned bill of lading issued in respect of carriage of goods from Durban to Felixstowe — Final destination of Boston — Goods transshipped at Felixstowe — No bill of lading issued for Felixstowe to Boston leg — Cargo damaged during voyage to Boston — Whether straight bill “bill of lading or any similar document of title” — Whether shipment covered by one or two contracts of carriage — Whether “port of shipment” in United Kingdom — Whether Hague Rules applying — Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1971 (c 19), s. 1(3)(4), Sch. 1, art I(b)

[2003] EWCA Civ 556; [2004] QB 702; [2004] 2 WLR 283; [2003] 3 All ER 369; [2003] 2 Lloyd's Rep 113; [2003] 2 CLC 94; The Times, 5 May 2003, CA

Appellate History