GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026
Maximum Liability in Sea Transport
Forwarders, shippers, and cargo insurers regularly encounter the maximum liability limit in sea transport when pursuing damage claims against carriers.
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Source: https://www.fracht.de
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Definition & Explanation
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.
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