York-Antwerp Rules

Developed from the York Rules of 1864 and given their present name in the 1890 revision, the rules are maintained by the Comite Maritime International, most recently as the York-Antwerp Rules 2016 adopted in New York in May 2016. They apply only when incorporated into a bill of lading or charter party; BIMCO forms use the 2016 version, while many contracts still cite 1994. When general average is declared, each cargo interest must post a bond and security, often an insurer's guarantee, before the carrier releases cargo.

General average can freeze a fulfillment operator's inventory at a port even when its own containers were undamaged. When a carrier declares general average after a fire or grounding, every cargo owner must provide security before release, and uninsured owners may have to pay cash deposits. For example, after the 2024 Francis Scott Key Bridge collision the owner of the ship Dali declared general average, and cargo interests had to post security to get their containers delivered. Marine cargo insurance covers these contributions, which is why importers should insure ocean shipments.

• Ocean Bill of LadingOcean carrier's receipt and contract
• Shipping InsuranceCoverage for lost or damaged packages

• Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse2024 · A ship strike closes Baltimore's main channel
• Ever Given Suez Canal Blockage2021 · A grounded container ship blocks Suez for six days

• Lex Rhodia de Iactu533, in Justinian's Digest · Ancient rule of jettison behind general average
• Consolato del Mare1494, compiled in the 14th century · Medieval Mediterranean code of maritime law
• Hague-Visby Rules1968, in force 1977 · Amended Hague Rules on ocean carrier liability

1. York-Antwerp Rules 2016 adopted by the CMI, London P&I Club londonpandi.com
2. General average update: the 2016 York-Antwerp Rules, Bowmans bowmanslaw.com