Article 239 of the Saudi Commercial Maritime Law
المادة 239 من النظام البحري التجاري · الفصل الرابع: عقد النقل البحري : أولاً: أحكام عامة
The carrier is liable for harm arising from delay in performing the obligations of a contract for carriage of persons, unless it proves that the delay is due to an external cause beyond its control.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
يسأل الناقل عن الضرر الذي ينشأ عن التأخير في تنفيذ الالتزامات التي يرتبها عليه عقد نقل الأشخاص, إلاَّ إذا أثبت أن هذا التأخير يرجع إلى سبب خارجي لا يد له فيه.
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 239 explained in plain English
This article establishes the carrier's liability for delay in a contract for the carriage of persons by sea.
The rule: the carrier is liable for harm arising from delay in performing the obligations that the contract for carriage of persons imposes on it.
The exemption: it is not liable if it proves that the delay is due to an external cause beyond its control.
Two points should be noted:
- The burden of proof is on the carrier: the passenger proves the delay and the harm, and the carrier is the one who must prove the external cause to escape liability.
- Compensation for harm: the liability is for harm arising from the delay; if the passenger suffers no harm, there is no compensation under this article.
Examples of harm that may arise from delay include missing an important appointment or extra accommodation costs. But the assessment of harm and compensation depends on the circumstances of each case.
It is preceded by Article 238, which requires the carrier to be notified of a bodily injury within fifteen days. It is followed by Article 240, which sets the periods after which passenger claims are not heard, including that a claim for compensation for delay in arrival is not heard after six months from the day after the passenger leaves the ship. A passenger harmed by delay is advised to consult a lawyer specialized in maritime law before the period expires.
Practical example
A ferry arrived two days late because of a breakdown resulting from poor maintenance, so a passenger missed an important work appointment and bore accommodation costs. The carrier is liable for the harm because the delay is not due to an external cause.
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 239 of the Saudi Commercial Maritime Law
Does the carrier compensate a passenger for a delayed voyage?
The carrier is liable for harm arising from delay in performing its obligations, unless it proves that the delay is due to an external cause beyond its control.
Who must prove the cause of the delay?
The carrier must prove that the delay is due to an external cause in order to be exempt from liability.
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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.