The decision of the Supreme Court in The CMA CGM Libra - in which it was held that a vessel was unseaworthy by reason of a deficient passage plan - was eagerly awaited. The appeal provided an important opportunity to examine a concept which is central to shipping law, that of unseaworthiness. This seminar brings together a panel of individuals with important views to share: leading counsel for the successful respondent; a director of one of the leading P&I clubs; and a master mariner who has first-hand experience converting from paper to ECDIS navigation. Their discussion was chaired by Sir Nigel Teare, who decided the case at first instance.

Specific issues discussed include:

• What did the Courts decide, and were their decisions controversial?
• What are the wider ramifications of the decisions?
• How do owners and their P & I insurers view the decision?
• Do the decisions make for “good law”?
• Have the decisions already been superseded by the adoption of ECDIS as a primary method of navigating?

Chair
The Hon. Sir Nigel Teare - Arbitrator

Speakers
Benjamin Coffer - Quadrant Chambers
David Richards - NEPIA
Peter Thornton MBE – Hill Dickinson