If the cargo suffers losses while en route, which entity is generally responsible for those costs?

In maritime commerce, when cargo suffers losses during transit, the shipowner typically bears the responsibility for those losses. This is grounded in the principle that the shipowner has a duty to safely transport the cargo and is liable for damage or loss that occurs while the cargo is under their care.

The shipowner is responsible for ensuring that the vessel is seaworthy, properly manned, and equipped for the journey. Thus, any damage resulting from the vessel's unseaworthiness or crew negligence usually falls under the shipowner's liability. This responsibility also includes issues arising from the vessel's navigation and handling during the voyage.

Other parties involved, such as the consignee or the captain, have their respective roles but do not assume liability for cargo losses in the same way the shipowner does. The consignee, for example, is chiefly concerned with receiving the cargo and may be impacted by losses, but their responsibility does not extend to the care of the cargo during its transport. Similarly, the captain is appointed by the shipowner to manage the vessel but does not personally assume liability for losses; rather, they would be acting within the scope of their duties under the shipowner's responsibility. Therefore, citing the shipowner as the responsible party aligns with