This article outlines some key information regarding Letters of Indemnity and addresses some frequently asked questions

Members are often asked to accept letters of indemnity (LOIs) from their shippers or charterers in return for the delivery of cargo without presentation of original bills of lading, the delivery of cargo at a port other than that named in the bill of lading (or both) and in various other circumstances

On 27th April 2020, the English High Court (Mr Justice Teare) gave guidance on the requirements imposed by International Group LOI wordings and the position of intermediate parties in an LOI chain, in circumstances where an LOI is given to enable cargo to be delivered without production of the original Bill of Lading.

A Member approached the Club asking for our help to pursue a claim under a Letter of Indemnity (LOI) issued by a charterer / shipper

In December 1998, in common with other Clubs in the International Group, the Association issued a Circular to Members recommending revised wordings of the standard form Letters of Indemnity for use by Members in circumstances where they are requested to deliver cargo without production of the original bill of lading and/or to deliver cargo at a port other than that stated in the bill of lading.