Perfect Marine Ltd v Sodrugestvo Turkey Tarim Tasimacilik Ithalat Ihracat Ticaret AS & Ors [2025] EWHC 1940 (Comm) (25 July 2025)

Executive Summary

Perfect Marine Ltd (Claimant) sued Sodrugestvo Turkey Tarim Tasimacilik Ithalat Ihracat Ticaret A.S. and others (Defendants) over damaged soybean cargo shipped from Brazil to Ukraine in 2021.
Cargo could not be discharged in Ukraine; vessel diverted to Aliaga, Turkey, where cargo was found damaged by self-heating and moisture.
Claimant admitted discarding a small quantity (~2.5 MT, 0.005%) of cargo off Ukraine due to condensation damage, which Defendants dispute.
Defendants seek damages for damaged cargo and for alleged short delivery caused by discarded cargo.
Legal dispute centers on liability under Hague Rules, timing of claims, and validity of amendments adding shortage claim.

Cargo damage due to self-heating and moisture highlights risks in transporting agricultural commodities to conflict-affected or unstable regions.
Disputes over cargo handling practices (e.g., discarding damaged goods at sea) may increase litigation risks in maritime trade.
Use of “switch bills of lading” post-inspection raises potential for contractual and evidentiary complications.
Prolonged delays and rerouting due to geopolitical instability (Ukraine conflict) create operational and legal uncertainties.

Ukraine conflict directly impacted cargo discharge, forcing diversion to Turkey.
Turkey’s role as alternative port (Aliaga) underscores its strategic importance in regional trade amid Eastern European instability.
The case reflects broader supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe affecting global agricultural exports.

Cargo volume: 51,587 MT soybeans; short delivery claim: 317.14 MT.
Claimed loss for discarded cargo: USD 198,212.50.
Cargo deterioration due to self-heating and moisture resulted in significant value diminution.
Delays and rerouting increased costs and risk exposure for all parties.
Use of backdated switch bills may affect market confidence and insurance claims.

Parties should ensure rigorous documentation and inspection protocols, especially when cargo is rerouted due to geopolitical events.
Consider enhanced risk mitigation strategies for shipments to conflict zones, including insurance coverage for delays and spoilage.
Legal teams should closely monitor timing rules under Hague Rules to avoid time-barred claims.
Stakeholders in maritime trade should review practices around discarding damaged cargo to minimize liability.
Monitor Turkey’s evolving role as a logistics hub amid Eastern European instability for future trade route planning.

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**Source Notes:**

Case Title: *Perfect Marine Ltd v Sodrugestvo Turkey Tarim Tasimacilik Ithalat Ihracat Ticaret AS & Ors* [2025] EWHC 1940 (Comm)

Link: https://empyreanprotocol.com/litigation/view/www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Comm/2025/1940.txt