"STRATFORD" Declares General Average After Fire

Latest Update: The container vessel "STRATFORD", which caught fire on July 28 near China’s Nansha Yongshu Reef while en route from China to India, has officially declared General Average (GA).

• GA Adjuster Appointed: Groninger Welker Janssen (Netherlands-based).

• Vessel Details: 8,533 TEU capacity, chartered by OOCL, serving the China India Express route (calls: Tianjin, Dalian, Shanghai, Xiamen, Shekou).

• Carriers Involved: CMA CGM, COSCO, OOCL, ZIM, PIL, CNC, GSL (multiple co-loading lines).

What is General Average?

⚖️ Legal Principle: When a vessel faces a common maritime peril (e.g., fire, grounding), losses/costs incurred to save the voyage are shared proportionally by all cargo owners.
Immediate Impact:

• Cargo cannot be released until owners submit:

1. GA Guarantee (from insurer or bond).

2. Cash deposit (based on cargo value).

• Delays expected for all shipments aboard.

Action Steps for Shippers/Freight Forwarders:

✅ Check if your cargo was on "STRATFORD" (via Bill of Lading tracking).
✅ Contact your insurer to arrange GA guarantee/deposit.
✅ Monitor emails from carriers (e.g., OOCL, Gold Star Line) for GA documents.
✅ Prepare for delays – Claims processing may take months.

Background:

• Fire Incident: Occurred 190 NW of Yongshu Reef, carrying Chinese exports to India.

• Route: Part of the China India Express (CIX), a key Asia-India service.