Under what conditions can a charterer annul a charter party?

The correct answer identifies specific conditions under which a charterer may annul a charter party, which can be a crucial aspect of maritime contracts. In the context of maritime law and chartering practices, a charterer has the right to annul the charter party in circumstances where there are significant delays or when certain obligations are not met.

In this case, the stipulated delay of 20 days provides a clear timeline for the charterer to act. Time is of the essence in shipping contracts, and a delay of this magnitude can have considerable repercussions on the charterer's plans and financial interests. Moreover, if a charterer abandons the charter prior to loading, it indicates a failure to fulfill their end of the contractual agreement, justifying annulment.

This understanding aligns with standard industry practices, where specific actions or inactions of either party can trigger rights to annul the contract. The other conditions listed lack the same clarity or justification to annul. Additionally, a formal request to the ship owner does not capture the substantive reasons that would allow for annulling the contract, nor does an authority's mandate provide the same direct link to the operational conditions affecting the charter party's legitimacy.