General Average Disputes

General Average Disputes arise in maritime law when a voluntary sacrifice is made to save a vessel and its cargo during a sea voyage, such as jettisoning cargo to prevent sinking. In these cases, all parties involved (the shipowner and cargo owners) share the losses proportionately. Disputes may occur regarding what constitutes a General Average act, the valuation of losses, and the responsibility for expenses incurred. Resolving these disputes often requires negotiation, legal interpretation, and sometimes arbitration, ensuring that the financial burden is fairly distributed among those affected.