# Maximum Liability in Sea Transport

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> Forwarders, shippers, and cargo insurers regularly encounter the maximum liability limit in sea transport when pursuing damage claims against carriers.

Forwarders, shippers, and cargo insurers regularly encounter the maximum liability limit in sea transport when pursuing damage claims against carriers. It defines the statutory ceiling up to which a carrier is financially responsible for loss of or damage to cargo during an ocean voyage. Under the Hague-Visby Rules, this ceiling stands at 666.67 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) per package or 2 SDR per kilogram of gross weight, whichever is higher. The cap applies regardless of the actual cargo value, shielding carriers from open-ended damages exposure. For shippers of high-value goods, the practical consequence is clear: without separate cargo insurance or a higher liability limit agreed in the bill of lading, a substantial portion of the cargo value remains unprotected in the event of a claim.

**Source:** [https://www.fracht.de](https://www.fracht.de)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Maximum Liability in Sea Transport |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 125 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://www.fracht.de |

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