Britain S. S. Co. v. Munson S. S. Line

(after stating the facts as above). [1, 2] When a charter party is for a term of “about six months,” or other stated period, the use of the word “about” is interpreted as signifying an intention to allow the charterer a reasonable leeway in respect to the date on which the vessel shall be surrendered. It is a recognition, based on the necessities of practical business, that her voyages cannot be planned so accurately as to bring her home on an exact date, and that the parties have contemplated the possibility of a reasonable shortening or lengthening of the stated term. Hence, if a voyage…