Off-Hire disputes

Off-hire disputes arise in maritime charter party agreements, where a charterer leases a vessel from an owner. These disputes occur when the vessel is unavailable for use due to breakdowns or repairs, leading to questions about whether the charterer should continue paying hire (rent) during the downtime. The owner may argue the vessel was inoperable due to factors beyond their control, while the charterer might claim they are entitled to reduced payments or no payments at all. Resolving these disputes often involves reviewing the terms of the contract and assessing the circumstances of the vessel's unavailability.