On November 4, 2021, Expeditors was advised that the Zim Kingston vessel owner had declared General Average. The Zim Kingston was on a laden voyage with containerized cargo from ports in Asia to Vancouver, Canada when she lost several containers overboard during heavy weather, followed by a fire that broke out on deck, on October 23rd. The vessel is presently anchored at Constance Bank, Victoria, Canada.
What is General Average?
General Average is a legal principle of maritime law. In order for there to be a General Average, the following principle applies:
There is a general average act where any extraordinary sacrifice or expenditure is voluntarily and reasonably made or incurred in time of peril for the purpose of preserving the property imperiled in the common adventure.
In other words, a sacrifice or expenditure is incurred to preserve the voyage, and all parties who benefited from this action will pay proportionally for the sacrifice or expenditure. Even if your cargo is not damaged, you or your insurance company will still need to make a financial contribution based on the total value of the voyage and your cargo in order for your goods to be released. Once the declaration has been made, the vessel owner will appoint a General Average adjuster.
General Average Documents Needed
If the below documentation is not completed before your cargo reaches its destination, it will be held until it is completed. If never finished, it will be auctioned off. This document states that you or your insurance company promise to pay your share once the total expenditure is calculated. At a minimum, the General Average Adjuster will require the below to release your container(s). Expeditors has been advised that Albatross Adjusters Limited has been appointed the General Average adjuster. Contact information is below.
Documents:
- A copy of the commercial invoice for your cargo
- A copy of the bill of lading
- An Average Bond Form that needs to be completed and signed by the owners of the cargo
- An Average Guarantee form that needs to be completed, signed or stamped by your insurance company
The Average Bond and Guarantee are unique to each General Average which are prepared and distributed by the General Average Adjuster.
This process is entirely outside the control of Expeditors. We can assist you, but we cannot complete these forms for you.
What do cargo owners need to do now?
If your shipment was insured with Expeditors, please contact us at cargo.claims@expeditors.com.
If your shipment was insured with Expeditors Cargo Insurance Brokers, please contact your customer service representative or email contact@ecibglobal.com
If you have Insurance elsewhere, contact your insurance company or broker now to advise them of the situation, and tell them Albatross Adjusters Limited has been appointed the General Average Adjuster. Your insurance company will open a file, contact the adjuster, and should follow up with you for any required documentation. You will need to ensure your insurance company does this timely or your cargo will be delayed at destination.
Albatross Adjusters Limited
Libra Tower, 1st Floor
23 Olympion Street
3035 Limassol
Cyprus
Tel : +357-2558 8988
Fax: +357-2558 3254
Email: admin@alba.com.cy
If you do not have insurance, you will need to contact Albatross Adjusters Limited directly to discuss the process for posting security to have your containers released. This may involve a cash deposit or other form of guarantee.
Contact your local Expeditors representative for more information and operational assistance.
