What occurs if the ship cannot sail temporarily due to closed ports?

The correct answer is based on the principle of force majeure in maritime law, which supports that if a vessel cannot sail due to unforeseen circumstances, such as closed ports, the contractual obligations of the charterer and the shipowner typically remain intact. This means that even though the ship cannot operate, the charter itself is still valid, and neither party can claim damages for this temporary inability to sail.

By maintaining the validity of the charter, parties involved recognize that such interruptions are beyond their control and usually make allowances in the contract for these kinds of events. Therefore, claims for damages are often not applicable in these situations, as they are understood to fall within the risks assumed by both parties at the outset of the contract.

Other options present scenarios that are generally inconsistent with common practices in maritime contracts. Automatic cancellation of the charter or the imposition of extra fees would typically only occur under specific contractual provisions or severe breaches, which are not considered here. Additionally, while negotiating extra lay days might be a potential solution in some contracts, it is not a guaranteed outcome and depends on the agreement’s specific terms. Hence, the first answer reflects a consistent understanding of how such temporary closures impact the charter agreement overall.