[2003] 2 Lloyd’s Rep. 364

Stephen Kenny acted for the Defendant, BP France, which successfully asserted its right to be sued in its country of domicile (France). The case turned on English and European law on the incorporation of a charterparty jurisdiction clause into a bill of lading.

Bill of lading – Exclusive jurisdiction clause – Incorporation – Exclusive English jurisdiction clause in voyage charter – Bills of lading issued in respect of shipment of cargo – Non-payment of freight – Whether exclusive jurisdiction clause incorporated in bill of lading – Whether proceedings should be set aside.