Owners’ agents. If the consignment clause in a charterparty provides for charterers’ agents to be employed at ports of loading or discharge, it is in owners’ interests to appoint their own agents who can assist the matter in any controversy which may arise. Ordinarily charterers’ agents will protect their principals’ interests first and owners’ interests second. Should difficulties arise, the master should be in a position to apply to owners’ agents who are familiar with the custom of the port. Owner’s agents may be called “protecting agents”.
