[1996] AC 211

David Edwards acted for the Japanese classification society, NKK, successfully arguing that the society owed no duty of care to cargo owners in respect of a damage survey performed on the vessel which subsequently sank.

Negligence – Duty of care to whom? – Classification society – Vessel developing cracks in hull – Classification society surveyor recommending vessel continue on voyage to discharge port after temporary repairs – Total loss of vessel and cargo – Cargo owners claiming against classification society – Whether classification society owing duty of care to cargo owners