Article 235 of the Saudi Commercial Maritime Law
المادة 235 من النظام البحري التجاري · الفصل الرابع: عقد النقل البحري : أولاً: أحكام عامة
The carrier may not rely on the limitation of liability if it is proved that the harm resulted from an act or omission by it or its representative, done with intent to cause harm or recklessly with awareness that harm would probably result.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
لا يجوز للناقل أن يتمسك بتحديد المسؤولية إذا ثبت أن الضرر نشأ عن فعل أو امتناع صدر منه أو نائبه بقصد إحداث الضرر، أو بإهمال مصحوب بإدراك أن الضرر يمكن أن يحدث.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 235 explained in plain English
This article deprives the carrier of the protection of limited liability in cases of gross fault.
The cases: where it is proved that the harm resulted from an act or omission by:
- The carrier itself, or
- Its representative,
done:
- with intent to cause the harm, or
- with negligence accompanied by awareness that the harm could occur.
In these cases the carrier cannot rely on the maximum limit of compensation.
The idea is that limitation of liability is a privilege for a carrier acting in good faith, so it does not benefit one who intended the harm or was reckless about it knowing it might occur.
Note that the article mentions the carrier and its representative, and does not expressly mention agents.
It is preceded by Article 234, which limits the carrier's liability for the death or injury of a passenger to 400,000 accounting units where it is not due to its fault or negligence, with Sharia and regulatory rights preserved. It is followed by Article 236, which requires the carrier to hold insurance or a guarantee covering its liability for death and injuries and allows the injured party to claim directly against the insurer. An injured party who believes the carrier intended the harm or was reckless is advised to consult a lawyer specialized in maritime law and compensation.
Practical example
A carrier sailed a ferry knowing that its safety equipment had a serious fault, and an accident occurred in which passengers were injured. If it is proved that it was negligent while aware that harm could occur, it cannot rely on the limitation of liability.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 235 of the Saudi Commercial Maritime Law
When does the carrier not benefit from the compensation limit?
If it is proved that the harm resulted from an act or omission by it or its representative, done with intent to cause harm or with negligence accompanied by awareness that the harm could occur.
Is simple fault enough to deprive the carrier of the limit?
The article requires intent, or negligence accompanied by awareness that the harm could occur.
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The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.