Logistics Company Sued For Cargo Ship Accident

Case Overview

This case involves a furniture manufacturer that hired a logistics firm to transport a shipment of furniture valued at over $5 million from England to Illinois. While en route, the cargo was destroyed due to a shipping container accident on board a cargo ship. The manufacturer sued the logistics company and their insurer for the lost value, as their American affiliate had to cease operations due to the loss. An expert in maritime insurance practices was sought to discuss bad faith in international shipping cases.

Questions to the Insurance expert and their responses

Please briefly describe your work in the bad faith insurance industry.

I hold a master's in maritime policy and have 20+ years of experience managing cargo claims arising out of the carriage of goods by sea and inland. I have managed claims both in court and arbitration.

Do you have any experience with bad faith matters relating to international cargo shipping?

I represented the International Chamber of Shipping at the United Nations in the negotiation of a new carriage of goods by sea instrument. I am also the author of the bill of lading terms and conditions for one of the world's biggest ocean carriers. In addition to the institute cargo clauses, there will be issues under the bill of lading/waybill terms and conditions, under COGSA 36, and intermodal carriage, title to sue, time bar and subrogation points.

About the expert

This highly experienced marine insurance and claims consultant began his career as a Merchant Navy Deck Officer. He went on to become a Claims Executive and eventually earned his M.A. in Maritime Policy from Greenwich University. The expert spent 12 years with CP SHIPS, where he was the Vice President of Insurance & Claims and reported to the CFO of the 80-ship company. He was a delegate for the United Nations International Chamber of Shipping, where he was responsible for negotiating the precursor to The Rotterdam Rules. He also has experience as a lecturer in maritime policy courses. Currently, he is active as a maritime insurance expert witness and consultant.