Who must sign the charter party for it to be valid?

For a charter party to be valid, it must be signed by both the ship owner and the charterer. This requirement ensures that both parties agree to the terms and conditions laid out in the contract, which is crucial in any binding agreement. The ship owner is responsible for providing the vessel, while the charterer engages the vessel for transportation purposes. Their mutual consent is essential for the legitimacy of the contract, thereby protecting the rights and obligations of each party involved.

By having both signatures, it provides a clear indication that both parties have mutually accepted the charter terms. This dual signing process also serves as a safeguard against future disputes regarding the agreement's existence or the terms thereof, as both parties have formally acknowledged and accepted the charter party.