General Average

General Average is a principle of maritime law that applies when there is a voluntary sacrifice or expenditure made by the shipowner or crew to protect the ship and its cargo from a common maritime peril, such as a fire or a storm. The principle of General Average requires that all parties involved in the voyage share the costs of the sacrifice or expenditure in proportion to their interests in the cargo. 

For example, if a ship experiences a fire and the crew jettisons some of the cargo to prevent the fire from spreading, the principle of General Average would require all the parties involved in the voyage to contribute to the cost of the lost cargo, including the cargo owners who did not suffer any damage. 

The calculation of General Average can be complex, and it often involves the services of an adjuster who specializes in maritime law. The adjuster will review all the relevant documentation, including the cargo manifest, bills of lading, and insurance policies, and determine the contribution of each party to the General Average.