Case handled by Huang & Huang listed among CBLJ’s Deals of the Year 2024
03.04.2025 |NEWS&ARTICLES
On 2 April 2025, China Business Law Journal (CBLJ) has unveiled its highly anticipated “Deals of the Year 2024” awards, recognising the most remarkable transactions and cases in the legal market over the past year. After rigorous evaluation of thousands of submissions, 18 standout cross-border dispute resolution cases were selected based on criteria such as deal size, industry impact, innovative transaction structures, judicial precedent-setting value, and social contributions.
Among the honorees is the OSG ** dispute for cargo damages, handled by our managing partner Mr. Huang Hui and partner Ms. Chen Xiaoling. This recognition further cements our firm’s reputation as a leader in navigating complex cross-border disputes, having consistently earned a place on CBLJ’s “Deals of the Year” list in previous years.
KEY POINTS: Container ship OSG ** encountered Typhoon Chaba on its way to a Humen Port, causing many containers to fall overboard or sustain damages. As a result, the recipient, launched a lawsuit at the Guangzhou Maritime Court, requesting contract carrier, time charterer and registered ship owner to be held jointly and severally liable.
The damaged goods were custom-made precision instruments involving trade secrets. On such bases, the recipient demanded a hefty USD6.5 million compensation, further arguing that no limitation of liability should apply to the defendants.
China’s Maritime Safety Administration, after investigation, concluded that there was vessel overloading, ageing equipment and insufficient preparation for severe weather. However, Huang & Huang argued to the court that damaged goods were primarily in the cargo hold and were damaged due to displacement collisions.
Finally, the recipient agreed to a settlement subject to limitation of liability, with the three defendants dividing the payment. Huang & Huang’s client, for example, was required to pay RMB630,000 (USD86,900), significantly lower than the original claim.
We extend our gratitude to the selection committee for acknowledging our professional expertise, and we are deeply appreciative of both our new and long-standing clients for their positive feedback and endorsement of our case results.