London Arbitration 5/12

SYNACOMEX -- "REACHABLE ON ARRIVAL" -- BREACH OWING TO ICE -- DETENTION -- WEATHER WORKING DAYS VS. LAYTIME EXCEPTIONS -- Partial Owner Award Upon arrival at anchorage the Vessel was delayed 11 days due to ice that prevented her from reaching berth. Owner submitted a claim for detention on the basis that Charterer breached the "always accessible" obligation. Within their decision, the Panel outlines what time counts when a Charterer breaches their “reachable upon arrival” obligation in a charter that defines laytime by weather working days. Furthermore, Owner exercised a lien on the cargo and seeks demurrage compensation for a three-day delay at the disport while awaiting Charterer’s payment of the load port detention claim.