Maintainability of an interim application seeking summary ...

Bunker supplier's in rem interim claim for unpaid supplies allowed against vessel under Admiralty Act.

Case Laws     Insolvency and Bankruptcy

August 27, 2024

Maintainability of an interim application seeking summary judgment under the Code of Civil Procedure for enforcing claims arising from bunker supplies made to defendant vessels. The court held that the plaintiff has proceeded in rem against the defendant vessel, claimed to be beneficially owned by the defendant, for a defined class of maritime claim under the Admiralty Act. The court rejected the defendant's contention that the plaintiff's claim is an in personam claim, precluding an action in rem against the res. The court clarified that Section 14 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code does not prohibit an action in rem or continuation of in rem proceedings against a maritime vessel. To affect an arrest under the Admiralty Act, the owner of the vessel must be liable for a maritime claim and must be the owner when the arrest is effected, with no restriction on a time charterer being the owner. However, the plaintiff cannot seek summary judgment without evidence for establishing the defendant as the real owner of the vessel for certain supplies. The suit shall continue against the defendant for those supplies.

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