What is a loan on bottomry?

A loan on bottomry is a specific financial arrangement in maritime commerce where the repayment of the loan is contingent upon the safe arrival of goods at their destination. This type of loan is typically secured against the ship and its cargo, meaning that if the ship does not arrive safely, the lender risks losing their investment and may not be repaid.

This arrangement is particularly useful in maritime operations, where the journey may be fraught with risks such as piracy, piracy, and adverse weather conditions. Therefore, the lender must assess not only the potential profitability of the cargo being transported but also the overall risks involved in maritime travel.

While other options may suggest relevant aspects of maritime loans, they do not accurately encompass the unique characteristic of bottomry, which focuses on the conditional aspect of repayment based on the successful delivery of goods.