FDD

Navigating the complexities of charterparty and commercial disputes requires a strategic and expert approach. As your trusted local correspondent, we specialize in providing professional support for Freight, Demurrage, and Defence (FDD) claims. Our role is to act as your strategic advisor, protecting your legal and commercial interests by meticulously analyzing cases and coordinating with the right legal experts to achieve a favorable resolution.

Our Role in FDD

In FDD claims, our expertise is focused on providing the P&I Club with the information and coordination needed to make informed decisions. We do not provide legal advice, but rather:

• In-depth Case Analysis: We conduct a detailed review of all documents and facts related to the dispute, providing an objective analysis for the P&I Club to evaluate the merits of the claim.
• Legal Expert Coordination: We recommend and coordinate with highly competent maritime lawyers and law firms, ensuring that the legal strategy is both sound and cost-effective.
• Strategic Support: We offer general insights into local legal practices and conventions, helping the P&I Club formulate a robust strategy for dispute resolution through negotiation, arbitration, or litigation.

Our FDD Process

Our structured process ensures that every FDD claim is managed systematically from the moment a dispute arises until its final resolution.

1. Initial Case Review: Upon notification of a claim, we immediately review all relevant charterparty documents and correspondence to conduct a preliminary analysis.
2. Expert Coordination: As instructed by the P&I Club, we appoint and coordinate with the most suitable legal experts for the case.
3. Strategy & Documentation: We assist the appointed lawyers in developing a claim strategy and in securing all necessary evidence and documentation.
4. Dispute Resolution Support: We support the dispute resolution process, whether it’s through negotiation, arbitration, or litigation, and provide detailed updates to the P&I Club.
5. Final Report: Upon the conclusion of the dispute, we submit a final report summarizing the entire process and its outcome.

Areas of FDD Expertise

Our expertise covers a wide range of FDD claim types, including:

• Time Charter Dispute Examples:
  • Off-hire disputes
  • Trading exclusion/cargo exclusion disputes
  • Performance claims
• Voyage Charter Dispute Examples:
  • Laytime/demurrage disputes
  • Unpaid freight claims
  • Dead freight disputes
• Bill of Lading Dispute Examples:
  • Clean Bill of Lading issues for damaged cargo
  • Misdelivery of cargo without the surrender of the original Bill of Lading

Call to Action

Don’t let complex disputes jeopardize your business. Contact our team for strategic advice and expert coordination to protect your legal and commercial interests.