Class II - General Trade Disruption Insurance

Steering problem results in grounding

An Assured operated a general cargo ‘coaster’ vessel trading in Northern Europe. Whilst on passage the master reported problems with the steering gear. After the vessel had discharged her cargo she was ordered to proceed to dry-dock for inspection and repairs. The inspection revealed damage to the vessel’s bottom in way of the bow thrusters and forepeak and also in way of the rudder at the stern of the vessel.

It was determined that the most likely cause of the damage was that the vessel had, unknown to the crew, one month before the damage was discovered, touched bottom fore and aft whilst turning in a channel with a narrow fairway.

The repair time was substantial. The Assured was insured with Transmarine for disruption to trade resulting from damage to the insured vessel caused by “perils of the seas”, under which heading grounding of a vessel is covered