Sanctions, Legal Compliance and Liability Clause

1.  All operations relating to loading, stowage, counting, weighing, packing, sealing, and marking of the cargo have been performed solely by the Shipper. The Carrier has no control over and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy, adequacy, or condition thereof.
   2. Where the cargo is stuffed into the container within the port, terminal, or any operational area, the Merchant expressly acknowledges and agrees that such container stuffing has been carried out entirely at the Merchant’s own responsibility and risk, and the Carrier shall bear no liability whatsoever for the internal condition of the container.
   3. The Carrier shall not be liable for any loss, shortage, damage, contamination, deterioration, delay, or consequential loss to the goods arising from causes beyond the Carrier’s control, including but not limited to:
   a) Unsuitability of the goods for carriage in containers or by sea
   b) Inherent vice, defect, or condition of the goods
   c) Inadequate, defective, or improper packing
   d) Incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information provided by the Merchant or Shipper
   e) Force Majeure events, including but not limited to adverse weather conditions, port congestion, labor disputes, war, sanctions, governmental actions, or operational disruptions.
   4. The Merchant shall indemnify and hold harmless the Carrier, its servants, agents, and contractors against any loss, damage, liability, claim, penalty, cost, or expense (including legal fees) arising from the goods, their condition, or any information supplied by the Merchant.
   5. Container demurrage charges at the Port of Muscat shall be calculated after 24 hours from the vessel’s berthing time, and all such charges shall be borne solely by the Merchant, irrespective of delays in cargo clearance.
   6. Cargo insurance is entirely the responsibility of the Merchant. The Carrier assumes no obligation to insure the goods. The Merchant may obtain insurance coverage based on this Bill of Lading from insurers of its choice, and the type, scope, and coverage limits of such insurance shall be at the Merchant’s sole discretion.
   7. The Merchant shall immediately return the container or trailer to the Carrier after discharge of the cargo. Any delay, damage (partial or total), contamination, or deterioration to the container or trailer shall be for the sole account of the cargo owner.
   8. Goods carried in refrigerated container(s) have been transported in accordance with the temperature settings declared by the Shipper. The Carrier shall not be liable for any loss or damage resulting from incorrect temperature instructions, inherent nature of the cargo, power interruptions at terminals, or delays beyond the Carrier’s control.
   9. In any event where the Carrier is found legally liable, such liability shall be limited in accordance with the applicable international conventions, including but not limited to the Hague–Visby Rules or Hamburg Rules, where applicable.
   10. In the event that the refrigerated container (Reefer Container) carrying the goods requires periodic inspection, monitoring, checking, adjustment, fuel replenishment, maintenance, or repair, the Merchant shall be solely responsible for notifying the Carrier of such requirement in advance.
   11. Such notification must be made in writing and delivered to the Carrier through official communication channels only, including but not limited to:
   a) Official company email addresses of the Carrier, or
   b) Written instructions submitted and acknowledged prior to shipment.
   12. Verbal instructions, informal messages, or communications not formally acknowledged by the Carrier shall be deemed invalid and shall not constitute notice for any legal or contractual purpose.
   13. Failure by the Merchant to provide timely and proper written notice shall fully release the Carrier from any liability arising from the absence of inspection, monitoring, or intervention related to the Reefer Container.
   14. All costs associated with inspection, check-ups, monitoring, fuel consumption, power supply, repairs, adjustments, technician attendance, or any operational intervention related to the Reefer Container are strictly excluded from the freight and cargo invoice and shall be borne entirely by the Merchant.
   15. In the event that any such costs are incurred by the Carrier, port authorities, terminals, or third parties on behalf of the cargo, the Merchant shall promptly reimburse the Carrier upon first demand, without delay, set-off, or objection.
   16. The Carrier shall not be liable for any loss, damage, deterioration, or delay resulting from:
   a) Incorrect or insufficient temperature instructions
   b) Failure of the Merchant to request inspections in writing
   c) Power interruptions, fuel shortages, or terminal limitations beyond the Carrier’s control
   d) The inherent nature or sensitivity of the refrigerated cargo.
   16. This Bill of Lading shall be governed by the laws of the country where the Carrier is registered, and any dispute shall be subject exclusively to the jurisdiction of the competent courts of that country.