General Average Claims

General Average is a maritime principle that ensures shared responsibility among all parties when a ship faces a significant loss or damage to save itself and its cargo. If an emergency occurs, like a fire or rough weather, where part of the cargo is deliberately sacrificed (e.g., jettisoned) to preserve the ship and remaining cargo, the costs incurred are shared. This means that all cargo owners contribute to compensate the losses, regardless of whether their cargo was damaged. It promotes fairness, ensuring that no single party bears the entire cost of a necessary sacrifice during a disaster at sea.