What liability does a cargo hold if no instructions are given to the captain, according to Article 678?

In the context of maritime law, particularly under Article 678, if no specific instructions are provided to the captain regarding the cargo, the captain has the legal responsibility to ensure that the cargo is managed appropriately. This includes a duty to secure and transport the cargo in a safe manner, which inherently involves incurring freight charges and potentially other expenses that arise from delays in the process of loading, unloading, or managing the cargo.

The liability for freight and expenses due to delay emphasizes the understanding that, despite the absence of clear cargo handling instructions, the captain must still fulfill their obligations under the contract of carriage. This often means addressing any issues that arise during transportation even if those issues stem from a lack of instructions, thereby holding the captain accountable for associated costs.

In contrast, options suggesting no charges or only losses would not accurately reflect the obligations outlined in maritime law concerning the captain's contract of carriage responsibilities. These legal frameworks ensure that the risks, including delays or handling challenges, are appropriately covered, thereby maintaining the integrity and efficiency of maritime commerce.