Force Majeure (Security)

Force majeure in a security context is a contract clause excusing a party from charter or carriage obligations when war, piracy, blockade, or a government act beyond its control prevents performance. It isn’t a standalone maritime term but a civil-law principle invoked under named clauses; GENCON and many time charters pair it with war clauses such as CONWARTIME and VOYWAR, which let an owner refuse a dangerous voyage or deviate from a war-risk area. English law treats force majeure narrowly, requiring the specific clause wording; mere increased cost or delay usually doesn’t trigger it.