ABSTRACT
Under a time charter the owner agrees to allow the charterer to have the use of a vessel for a fixed period of time. From a legal analysis point of view the relationship between owner and charterer is interesting and at times complex. The rights and obligations of the parties to a time charterparty must depend on its written terms, for there is no special law applicable to this form of contract as such. The ship at all times was in the possession of the shipowners and they simply undertook to do services with their crew in carrying the goods of the charterers. The time charter will contain clauses that set out the terms upon which the vessel can be used. Prominent amongst these are the choice of law and jurisdiction clause, the employment and indemnity clause and the geographical limits clause.
