Comment / Force majeure, zero recourse: the bill of lading clause every carrier has – and every shipper ignored

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The words “force majeure” have been cascading through carrier customer advisories since the Strait of Hormuz crisis erupted at the end of last week.

CMA CGM says its vessel diversions are subject to “applicable force majeure provisions”.

Breakbulk News, for instance, reports that Maersk, MSC, and other major lines are citing force majeure and the need to protect crew and cargo safety. The language is designed to signal something extraordinary, that unprecedented events demand unprecedented measures.

There’s just one problem. The carriers don’t ...