What is the freight payment rule for merchandise that is jettisoned for safety?

The correct answer regarding the freight payment rule for merchandise that is jettisoned for safety is that no freight is paid, and the value is considered general average.

This principle stems from maritime law, which recognizes that when cargo must be jettisoned to protect the safety of the ship and its remaining cargo, the loss is distributed among all parties benefiting from the voyage. General average is a legal principle that allows the shipowner and the cargo owners to share in the losses incurred when a voluntary sacrifice is made to save the voyage. Since the jettisoned cargo is lost to the voyage and did not contribute to the safe delivery of the remaining cargo, no freight is collected on that cargo. Instead, the owners may seek compensation through general average contributions, where all stakeholders share the costs of the loss proportionally.

This approach ensures that the financial burden caused by the jettison is distributed fairly, rather than placing it solely on the shipowner or cargo owner of the lost merchandise. Thus, the concept of general average is pivotal in maritime commerce, reinforcing both safety and the principle of shared risk among parties involved in maritime transport.