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<Upper-Intermediate> Lesson No.21

Damage Compensation Negotiation Based on International Shipping Terms / 国際運送約款に基づく損害賠償交渉

0.Greetings & Ice-break (2min.)|挨拶と導入

 

0-1 Greetings

Let’s practice a short small talk that you can use to greet a business partner and start building a good relationship.

講師との挨拶を兼ねて、ビジネスパートナーと信頼関係を築くための短いスモールトークを練習してみましょう。

[Tips / 会話のヒント]

・Can you hear me clearly? 

 私の声はクリアに聞こえますか?
・How's your day going so far?

 今日はどんな一日でしたか?
・Talk about one small topic (Work, Weather, News, Hometown, Sports event, etc.)

 軽い話題について話しましょう(仕事、天気、ニュース、地元、スポーツイベントなど)

0-2 Introduction​

In today’s lesson, we’ll learn about the following situation. Have you ever experienced something similar?

本日のレッスンでは以下のようなシチュエーションについて学びます。同様のシチュエーションを経験したことがありますか?​

​​

- If you have experience, please tell us what it was like, what was difficult, or what you learned.

   経験があれば、どんな内容だったか、難しかったことや学んだことなどを教えて下さい。 

- If you don’t have experience, try to imagine yourself handling that situation in English.

  What do you think would be challenging?

  経験がなければ、英語でその状況に対応しているところを想像してみましょう。どんなことが難しそうですか?

Situation / シチュエーション

Cargo damage compensation negotiations with carriers require interpretation of transport terms, damage investigation, and consideration of Incoterms-based responsibility allocation.
国際輸送中貨物損害の運送会社との賠償交渉で、運送約款解釈・損害原因調査・インコタームズに基づく責任分担を考慮した交渉が必要な場面です。

1. Read (2 min)|型を学ぶ
Let's read the following key sentences aloud!
下記の文章や単語を順番に音読しましょう!

1-1 Basic phrases
1.We need to assess the cause...(原因を評価する必要がある)
2.We acknowledge the limitation clause...(制限条項を承知している)
3.We must clarify two points...(2点を明確にする必要がある)
4.We request compensation of...(...の補償を求める)
5.Let me consult with...(...と協議させてください)
6.Please be aware that...(...をご承知おきください)
7.We appreciate your cooperation in...(...へのご協力に感謝いたします)

1-2 Essential words
1.detect(発見する)
2.assess(評価する)
3.demonstrate(示す)
4.acknowledge(承知する)
5.clarify(明確にする)
6.eliminate(失わせる)
7.consult with(協議する)
8.expedite(迅速化する)
9.coordinate(調整する)
10.relevant(関係する)
2. Try  (3 min)|ロールプレイ練習

Let’s practice the role-play.

ロールプレイの練習をしましょう!

Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)

Cargo damage compensation negotiations with carriers require interpretation of transport terms, damage investigation, and consideration of Incoterms-based responsibility allocation.
国際輸送中貨物損害の運送会社との賠償交渉で、運送約款解釈・損害原因調査・インコタームズに基づく責任分担を考慮した交渉が必要な場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Line Representative】:
Thank you for meeting with me today. We received your claim regarding the cargo damage during international transport. Could you describe the nature of the damage and when it was detected?
(本日はお時間をいただきありがとうございます。国際輸送中の貨物損害に関するご請求を受領いたしました。損害の内容と、いつ発見されたかをお聞かせいただけますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Trade Administration Staff】:
The consignee detected water damage to 15 cartons when the container arrived at the destination port. The damage was found during unloading on March 10. We need to assess the cause and determine liability under the contract of carriage.
(仕向地の港でコンテナが到着した際、荷受人が15カートンに水濡れ損害を発見しました。損害は3月10日の荷卸し時に発見されました。運送契約に基づき、原因を評価し責任範囲を確定する必要があります。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Line Representative】:
I understand your concern. However, our bill of lading states that the cargo was received in apparent good order. Do you have evidence that the damage occurred during ocean transport?
(ご懸念は理解いたします。しかしながら、当社の船荷証券には貨物を外見上良好な状態で受け取ったと記載されています。海上輸送中に損害が発生した証拠はお持ちでしょうか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Trade Administration Staff】:
Yes, we do. First, the container survey report confirms that the container seal was intact upon arrival. Second, the marine surveyor detected a crack in the container roof that allowed seawater to enter. Third, photographs taken at discharge clearly demonstrate water stains inside the container. These facts indicate that the damage occurred under your custody.
(はい、ございます。第一に、コンテナ検査報告書により、到着時にコンテナシールが無傷であったことが確認されています。第二に、海事検定人がコンテナ天井部の亀裂を発見し、そこから海水が浸入したことを検出しました。第三に、荷卸し時に撮影された写真がコンテナ内部の水染みを明確に示しています。これらの事実は、損害が貴社の管理下で発生したことを示しています。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Line Representative】:
The surveyor's report is helpful, but we need to consider the limitation of liability clause in our terms and conditions. Under the Hague-Visby Rules, our liability is limited to 666.67 SDR per package. Your claim amount of 12000 USD appears to exceed this limit.
(検定人の報告書は参考になりますが、当社の運送約款における責任制限条項を考慮する必要があります。ヘーグ・ヴィスビー・ルールズに基づき、当社の責任は1包装あたり666.67 SDRに制限されています。貴社の請求額12000 USDはこの制限を超えているように見受けられます。)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Trade Administration Staff】:
We acknowledge the limitation clause, but we must clarify two points. First, the Incoterms for this shipment were CIF, meaning you were responsible for marine insurance as well. Second, the crack in the container constitutes a lack of due diligence in maintaining seaworthy equipment, which may eliminate your right to limit liability. We request compensation of 12000 USD or confirmation that your P and I club will handle the claim through our cargo insurer.
(責任制限条項は承知しておりますが、2点明確にする必要があります。第一に、本船積のインコタームズはCIFであり、貴社は海上保険の手配責任も負っていました。第二に、コンテナの亀裂は耐航性のある設備を維持する注意義務の欠如に該当し、責任制限の権利を失わせる可能性があります。12000 USDの補償、または貴社のP&Iクラブが当社の貨物保険会社を通じて請求を処理することの確認を求めます。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Line Representative】:
I see your position is well prepared. Let me consult with our P and I club and our legal team regarding the due diligence argument. Can we arrange a follow-up meeting next week to discuss a settlement proposal?
(貴社の立場が十分に準備されていることは理解いたしました。注意義務に関する主張について、当社のP&Iクラブおよび法務チームと協議させてください。来週、和解案を協議するためのフォローアップ会議を設定できますでしょうか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Trade Administration Staff】:
That would be acceptable. However, please be aware that our consignee is facing business losses due to the damaged goods, and we may need to pursue additional claims if this matter is not resolved promptly. We appreciate your cooperation in reaching a fair settlement.
(それで承知いたします。ただし、荷受人が損傷貨物により営業上の損失に直面しており、この件が速やかに解決されない場合は追加請求を追求する必要が生じる可能性があることをご承知おきください。公正な和解に向けたご協力に感謝いたします。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Line Representative】:
Understood. I will expedite the internal review and coordinate with all relevant parties. We aim to provide you with a concrete response by next Tuesday. Thank you for your detailed explanation and documentation.
(承知いたしました。社内審査を迅速化し、関係者全員と調整いたします。来週火曜日までに具体的な回答を提供することを目指します。詳細なご説明と資料のご提供に感謝いたします。)
3. Use  (4 min)|ロールプレイ & 実践(空欄補完)

Let's perform the role-play and fill in the blanks by translating the Japanese into English!
空欄の日本語を英語に訳しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)

Cargo damage compensation negotiations with carriers require interpretation of transport terms, damage investigation, and consideration of Incoterms-based responsibility allocation.
国際輸送中貨物損害の運送会社との賠償交渉で、運送約款解釈・損害原因調査・インコタームズに基づく責任分担を考慮した交渉が必要な場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Line Representative】:
Thank you for meeting with me today. We received your claim regarding the cargo damage during international transport. Could you describe the nature of the damage and when it was detected?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Trade Administration Staff】:
The consignee [発見する]d water damage to 15 cartons when the container arrived at the destination port. The damage was found during unloading on March 10. We need to [評価する] the cause and determine liability under the contract of carriage.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Line Representative】:
I understand your concern. However, our bill of lading states that the cargo was received in apparent good order. Do you have evidence that the damage occurred during ocean transport?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Trade Administration Staff】:
Yes, we do. First, the container survey report confirms that the container seal was intact upon arrival. Second, the marine surveyor [発見する]d a crack in the container roof that allowed seawater to enter. Third, photographs taken at discharge clearly [示す] water stains inside the container. These facts indicate that the damage occurred under your custody.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Line Representative】:
The surveyor's report is helpful, but we need to consider the limitation of liability clause in our terms and conditions. Under the Hague-Visby Rules, our liability is limited to 666.67 SDR per package. Your claim amount of 12000 USD appears to exceed this limit.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Trade Administration Staff】:
We [承知する] the limitation clause, but we must [明確にする] two points. First, the Incoterms for this shipment were CIF, meaning you were responsible for marine insurance as well. Second, the crack in the container constitutes a lack of due diligence in maintaining seaworthy equipment, which may [失わせる] your right to limit liability. We request compensation of 12000 USD or confirmation that your P and I club will handle the claim through our cargo insurer.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Line Representative】:
I see your position is well prepared. Let me consult with our P and I club and our legal team regarding the due diligence argument. Can we arrange a follow-up meeting next week to discuss a settlement proposal?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Trade Administration Staff】:
That would be acceptable. However, please be aware that our consignee is facing business losses due to the damaged goods, and we may need to pursue additional claims if this matter is not resolved promptly. We appreciate your cooperation in reaching a fair settlement.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Line Representative】:
Understood. I will expedite the internal review and coordinate with all relevant parties. We aim to provide you with a concrete response by next Tuesday. Thank you for your detailed explanation and documentation.
4. Challenge (7 min)|応用実践

Let's perform the role-play and fill in the blanks by translating the Japanese into English!
空欄の日本語を英語に訳しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

*Let's practice this part repeatedly until we can speak it smoothly.

  このパートはスムーズにスピーキングできるようになるまで繰り返し練習しましょう。

Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)

Cargo damage compensation negotiations with carriers require interpretation of transport terms, damage investigation, and consideration of Incoterms-based responsibility allocation.
国際輸送中貨物損害の運送会社との賠償交渉で、運送約款解釈・損害原因調査・インコタームズに基づく責任分担を考慮した交渉が必要な場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Line Representative】:
Thank you for meeting with me today. We received your claim regarding the cargo damage during international transport. Could you describe the nature of the damage and when it was detected?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Trade Administration Staff】:
The consignee detected water damage to 15 cartons when the container arrived at the destination port. The damage was found during unloading on March 10. [運送契約に基づき、原因を評価し責任範囲を確定する必要があります。]

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Line Representative】:
I understand your concern. However, our bill of lading states that the cargo was received in apparent good order. Do you have evidence that the damage occurred during ocean transport?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Trade Administration Staff】:
Yes, we do. First, the container survey report confirms that the container seal was intact upon arrival. Second, the marine surveyor detected a crack in the container roof that allowed seawater to enter. Third, photographs taken at discharge clearly demonstrate water stains inside the container. These facts indicate that the damage occurred under your custody.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Line Representative】:
The surveyor's report is helpful, but we need to consider the limitation of liability clause in our terms and conditions. Under the Hague-Visby Rules, our liability is limited to 666.67 SDR per package. Your claim amount of 12000 USD appears to exceed this limit.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Trade Administration Staff】:
[責任制限条項は承知しておりますが、2点明確にする必要があります。] First, the Incoterms for this shipment were CIF, meaning you were responsible for marine insurance as well. Second, the crack in the container constitutes a lack of due diligence in maintaining seaworthy equipment, which may eliminate your right to limit liability. [12000 USDの補償、または貴社のP&Iクラブが当社の貨物保険会社を通じて請求を処理することの確認を求めます。]

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Line Representative】:
I see your position is well prepared. Let me consult with our P and I club and our legal team regarding the due diligence argument. Can we arrange a follow-up meeting next week to discuss a settlement proposal?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Trade Administration Staff】:
That would be acceptable. However, please be aware that our consignee is facing business losses due to the damaged goods, and we may need to pursue additional claims if this matter is not resolved promptly. [公正な和解に向けたご協力に感謝いたします。]

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Line Representative】:
Understood. I will expedite the internal review and coordinate with all relevant parties. We aim to provide you with a concrete response by next Tuesday. Thank you for your detailed explanation and documentation.
\ If you have some extra capacity, give it a try(余力があればやってみましょう)/
5. Real-world application (5 min)|実務応用

Let's speak freely with the phrases and flow we learned today. If you can, imagine your real job—it makes practice more effective.
本日学習した単語やフレーズ、会話の流れを思い出しながら、自由に話してみましょう。可能であれば、自身の実務を想像しながら話すと効果的です。​

Situation / シチュエーション
You are handling a cargo damage claim with a shipping line after water damage was detected at the destination port.
The shipping line is citing liability limitations under international conventions, but you have evidence of their negligence.
貴社は仕向地の港で水濡れ損害が発見された後、船会社との間で貨物損害請求を処理しています。
船会社は国際条約に基づく責任制限を主張していますが、貴社は船会社の過失を示す証拠を保有しています。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Line Representative】:
I understand you want to discuss the liability issue. Could you explain your position on why our limitation of liability should not apply in this case?
(責任問題について協議されたいことは理解しております。本件において当社の責任制限が適用されるべきでない理由について、貴社の立場をご説明いただけますか?)

🧑‍🎓【Student / Your Role】:
(Free Speaking based on today's lesson)

Hints / ヒント
1. Describe the evidence of damage
2. Clarify the carrier's responsibility under Incoterms
3. Explain why limitation may not apply
4. Request specific compensation or action
​※This is not a role-play. Please speak until you finish your thoughts.
 このパートはロールプレイ形式ではありません。最後まで通して話してみましょう。
6.  Wrap-up (2 min) |レッスンの振り返り

Let's review today's lesson with your teacher!
今日のレッスンについて講師と振り返ってみましょう!

 

6-1 Comments from student

・Good points / 良かったところ・上手くできたところ
・Things to work on / 今後強化したいところ

 

6-2 Feedback from teacher

・Good points / 良かった点
・Things to work on / 今後の強化ポイント
・What to review / 復習ポイント

 

*6-3 Questions from student (if any)

Japanese translation(日本語訳)

1. Read (2min)(型を学ぶ)|基本フレーズ

2. Try  (4min)(ロールプレイ練習)|型を使った練習
Let’s practice the role-play.
ロールプレイの練習をしましょう!

3. Use  (7min)|応用
Let’s perform the role-play and filling in the missing English!
英語を補完しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

4. Challenge (7min)|実践
Let’s perform the role-play and filling in the missing English!
英語を補完しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

5. Wrap-up (3min) – レッスンの振り返り

"Let’s review today’s lesson with your teacher!”

「今日のレッスンについて講師と振り返ってみましょう!」

5-1.  Comments from Student

  - Good points / 良かったところ・上手くできたところ

  - Things to work on / 今後強化したいところ

5-2.  Feedback from Teacher

  - Good points / 良かった点

  - Things to work on / 今後の強化ポイント

  - What to review / 復習ポイント

5-3. Question from Students (If any)

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