General Average is a maritime law principle that requires all parties involved in a sea voyage to share the losses resulting from a voluntary sacrifice made to save the ship and its cargo. For example, if a ship encounters a storm and jettisons some cargo to prevent sinking, the loss of that cargo is shared among all stakeholders. This concept ensures fairness, as it prevents one party from bearing the entire burden of a loss that benefits everyone. It applies to various situations, including shipping, insurance, and maritime commerce, promoting cooperation among shipowners, cargo owners, and insurers.