Hurricane Ida and the closure of the Mississippi River.

We were kept very busy last week by Hurricane Ida, a Category 4 Atlantic hurricane that became the second-most damaging and intense hurricane to strike the U.S. state of Louisiana on record (after Katrina).  It resulted in the closure of the Mississippi River and various terminals, including Covent Marine Terminal (CMT) one of the largest terminals on the U.S. Gulf Coast, and the only bulk terminal in the region that provides direct rail access for ocean going shipments.

We represent a number of shipping companies and bulk commodity traders who had Vessels and cargos either stuck along the River or lost at CMT due to the hurricane.  Some Vessels went aground.  This has resulted in various claims involving demurrage, cargo loss, cancellation and force majeure – some of which we expect will become the subject of LMAA and LCIA Arbitrations, in due course.

Thankfully, the river and terminals have re-opened and marine traffic is getting back to normal but Ida has wreaked havoc in the area and, sadly, caused much loss of life, property damage as well as upsetting shipping and trade.

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