# York-Antwerp Rules

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> Shipowners, cargo interests, and underwriters turn to the York-Antwerp Rules (YAR) whenever a master takes extraordinary measures to avert a common peril threatening ship and cargo – jettisoning goods, making an emergency port call, or intentionally grounding the vessel.

Shipowners, cargo interests, and underwriters turn to the York-Antwerp Rules (YAR) whenever a master takes extraordinary measures to avert a common peril threatening ship and cargo – jettisoning goods, making an emergency port call, or intentionally grounding the vessel. The YAR define which expenditures and sacrifices qualify as general average and prescribe how those costs are shared proportionally among all parties with a financial interest in the voyage: shipowner, cargo owners, and freight interests alike. The underlying principle is equitable: those who benefit from a sacrifice contribute to its cost. In practice, cargo owners can face delays of months or even years while an average adjuster calculates each party's share, and goods are frequently held until average bonds are signed or financial security lodged. The YAR are periodically revised and are expressly incorporated by reference in bills of lading and marine insurance contracts worldwide.

**Source:** [https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability](https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | York-Antwerp Rules |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 144 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability |

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