Maersk A/S v Sree Rayalaseema Hi-Strength Hypo Ltd (MV Maersk Seoul) [2026] EWHC 2005 (Comm) (28 July 2026)

Shortly after 3 containers of Sree’s calcium hypochlorite (in tablet form, in boxes) were loaded on board Maersk’s chartered Vessel at Jebel Ali for carriage, there was an explosion in 1 or 2 of the containers and a fire on board. Maersk claimed that there had been violent decomposition of the cargo in breach of the B/L terms and sought some USD 13m in damages comprising settlement payments to (i) head owners, (ii) salvors, (iii) to those interested in other cargoes affected, plus other miscellaneous losses. The Court agreed, ruling that ‘Safmarine’ B/L terms were incorporated providing English jurisdiction, obligations as to potentially dangerous cargoes and their packing and as to indemnification, all of which had been contested by Sree, who failed to take part.

Read the full judgement here