Deviation
Meaning
Deviation is departing from the agreed or customary route of the voyage, which is only allowed for reasons the charter or law permits.
Deviation explained
Ships may deviate to save life, for safety, or for bunkering if the charter allows. An unjustified deviation can be a serious breach of contract and may affect cargo insurance.
Avoiding the Red Sea via the Cape of Good Hope has raised the question of whether such re-routing is a permitted change of route, which is why many charters now include specific war risk routing clauses.
Related terms
War risks clause
A war risks clause sets out what the owner may do, and who pays extra costs, if the voyage is exposed to war, piracy, terrorism or similar dangers.
Safe port
A safe port is one the ship can reach, use and leave without being exposed to danger that good seamanship can't avoid; charterers usually warrant it.