The Legal Characterization of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Impact on the Liability of the Maritime Carrier of Goods in Algerian Legislation and International Conventions

Abstract

This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the liability of the maritime carrier, focusing on the issue of the legal characterization of the pandemic as a force majeure event or an emergency circumstance for exemption from liability. The study concluded that the divergence of judicial interpretations and the disruption of contractual balance during the crisis revealed shortcomings in the current legislative provisions, which requires updating legal frameworks and incorporating “epidemic clauses” into transport contracts to ensure legal stability in the face of future global emergencies.