Charterers’ Liability

Flexible cover beyond traditional charterers’ insurance

The Swedish Club offers enhanced liability solutions designed for cargo owners, commodity traders, and affiliated companies involved in shipping operations.

These options extend beyond standard charterers’ insurance, providing protection for both chartered and non-chartered vessels, and addressing contractual and third-party risks linked to cargo operations.

Protection for cargo liabilities — whether or not you charter the vessel

This optional cover protects buyers, sellers, and bill of lading holders against liabilities arising from cargo operations, including:

• Damage to vessels, including salvage and detention costs
• Damage to berths, terminals, or third-party property caused by cargo
• Charterers’ liabilities, including personal injury, wreck removal, and pollution
• Liabilities under sales contracts or in tort

Coverage can apply even when the trader is no longer the cargo owner, or when cargo is carried on a non-chartered vessel, providing essential protection for complex trading arrangements.

Targeted cover for pollution incidents and cargo-related legal exposures

This option provides protection against pollution-related risks and broader legal liabilities connected to cargo operations, including:

• Pollution caused by cargo, including during ship-to-ship (STS) transfers
• Fines resulting from accidental pollution incidents
• Optional extension for cargo carried on non-chartered vessels
• Full legal liability cover aligned with Charterers’ Liability insurance

A trader purchases cargo on CIF terms. During transit, the vessel suffers damage due to off-spec cargo, leading to claims from the vessel owner against both the seller and the trader.

With Traders’ cover in place, the trader’s liability and legal costs are covered, and The Swedish Club may pursue recovery from the cargo seller on the member’s behalf.