17. Government directions, War, Epidemics, Ice, Strikes, etc….

1) The Master and the Carrier shall have liberty to comply with any order or directions or recommendations in connection with the transport under this contract given by any Government or Authority or anybody acting or purporting to act on behalf of such Government or Authority or having under the terms of the insurance on the vessel the right to give such orders or directions or recommendations.
2) Should it appear that the performance of the transport would expose the vessel or any goods on board to the risk of seizure or damage or delay, resulting from war, warlike operations, blockade, riots, civil commotions or piracy or any person on board to the risk of loss of life or freedom, or that any such risk has increased, the Master may discharge the cargo at port of loading or any other safe and convenient port.
3) Should it appear that epidemics, quarantine, icelabour troubles, labour obstructions, strikes, lockouts, any of which on board or on shore – difficulties in loading or discharging would prevent the vessel from leaving the port of loading or reaching or entering the port of discharge or there discharging in the usual manner and leaving again, all of which safely and without delay, the Master may discharge the cargo at port of loading or any other safe and convenient port.
4) The discharge under the provisions of this clause of any cargo for which a transport document has been issued shall be deemed due fulfillment of the contract. If in connection with the exercise of any liberty under this clause any extra expenses are incurred, they shall be paid by the Merchant in addition to the freight, together with return freight, if any, and a reasonable compensation for any extra services rendered to the Goods.
5) If any situation referred to in this clause may be anticipated or if for any such reason the vessel cannot safely and without delay reach or enter the loading port or must undergo repairs, the Carrier may cancel the contract before a transport document is issued.
6) The merchant shall be informed if possible.