*Navig8 Inc v South Vigour Shipping Inc and others

Contract – Charterparty. The charterers of four vessels claimed damages from the first to the fourth defendant registered owners of the vessels, alleging breach of charterparties by withdrawing the vessels from service. The charterers contended that the charter parties had been fixed by the fifth defendant, as agent, on behalf of the owners. The Commercial Court, in dismissing the main claim, held that there was no evidence that the fifth defendant had been authorised to conclude the charterparties on behalf of the owners. The charterers succeeded on the alternative claim against the fifth defendant, which was held liable in damages for breach of an implied warranty of authority.