Nomo Ltd arranges with the owners of The Joy for the carriage of a consignment of steel

coils from London to Singapore. A bill of lading is issued to Nomo Ltd which is incorporated

in the United Kingdom. The bill expressly provides that it is subject to English law.

However, a clause is inserted to the effect that the bill of lading is not subject to the

Hague-Visby rules. On its previous voyage, The Joy carried a cargo of salts. On 5 March,

the vessel had arrived in London. It discharged the salts five days later. The holds were

flushed in an attempt to cleanse them. The steel was loaded on board the vessel on 11

and 12 March. The vessel sailed the next day. During the voyage, The Joy ran into storm

and sea water entered into the holds because the cargo holds had been left open. When

the cargo was unloaded, it was found to be severely corroded. Upon inspection, it was

revealed that the possible causes of the corrosion were the failure of the crew to pump

out water that collected in the bottom of the ship. Nomo Ltd seeks your advice on their

rights to sue the ship owners for damages. Advise Nomo Ltd.