What can the captain do if costs are too high compared to the cargo's value?

The captain of a vessel is often faced with the practical realities of maritime trade, particularly when it comes to balancing the costs of transporting cargo against its value. When the costs associated with the voyage exceed the value of the cargo, one of the viable options available to the captain is to sell the cargo to cover freight and expenses.

This approach allows the captain to recover some of the costs incurred during transport. In maritime law, there are principles that support the sale of cargo in order to mitigate losses, especially if further transport appears to be economically unfeasible or poses a risk of incurring even greater losses. By selling the cargo, the captain can recoup funds needed to pay for expenses such as crew wages, fuel, and other operational costs.

Other options, while potentially relevant in different contexts, do not directly resolve the immediate financial dilemma posed by high transportation costs relative to the cargo's value. Negotiating a new contract or requesting a higher freight payment may not be feasible once the vessel is already in transit, as these agreements must be reached before transport or may not be legally enforceable. Abandoning the cargo could lead to additional liabilities or losses without providing any financial benefit.

Thus, selling the cargo serves as a pragmatic solution, allowing the