Dali Refloating Triggers Multiyear Insurance Claim Process for Shippers

Maritime attorney Vincent Foley was quoted in a Journal of Commerce article discussing the complex legal battles ahead for cargo owners following the refloating of the Dali container ship in Baltimore. The ship's owner declared general average, triggering what could be a lengthy process to apportion salvage costs among cargo interests based on freight value and condition. Mr. Foley explained that cargo insurers could mount a defense against paying general average claims if National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigations find the Dali was unseaworthy at the time of departure.

"Cargo interests could say they are not sharing in this loss because the owner was negligent if the transaction costs are not worth saving their cargo," he said.

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