Latest news with #AdmiraltyCourt
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Experts laud move to establish dedicated maritime court
KUALA LUMPUR: The soon-to-be-tabled Admiralty Bill, which seeks to establish a dedicated maritime court, is a timely and necessary step, say maritime law experts. Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) maritime policy expert Professor Datuk Dr Saharuddin Abdul Hamid said the initiative marks a significant progression from the current Admiralty Court framework, which operates under the High Court in Kuala Lumpur. "An Admiralty Court is a specialised court to deal with maritime disputes. As Malaysia continues to grow as a strategic maritime nation, the need for a robust legal infrastructure tailored to these issues cannot be overstated," he told the New Straits Times. While the existing Admiralty Court is functional, he said it lacks the depth of specialisation required to effectively resolve the growing number of maritime disputes. "A dedicated maritime court would allow for the appointment of judges and legal personnel with deep expertise in international maritime law. This level of specialisation will ensure more consistent and informed rulings. This brings Malaysia closer in line with global maritime legal hubs such as Singapore and the United Kingdom," he said. He said time is often critical in cases involving vessel arrests, cargo damage, charter party disputes and pollution claims. A court focused solely on maritime matters, he said, would reduce case backlogs and enhance resolution timelines, reinforcing confidence among both domestic and international stakeholders. UMT senior lecturer Wan Mariam Wan Abdullah said location accessibility was a long-standing issue, as the current court only sits in Kuala Lumpur. "Ports in Klang, Tanjung Pelepas, Penang and Johor are underserved. Regional divisions under a new court would bridge that gap," she said. She added a specialised court would also improve coordination with enforcement agencies and port authorities, particularly for enforcement cases involving ship detentions, pollution breaches and port regulations. She added the move would also position Malaysia as a cost-effective alternative to Singapore for maritime dispute resolution and expand maritime arbitration services to attract international cases. Meanwhile, maritime lawyer Srimurugan Alagan welcomed the concurrent effort to review outdated maritime legislation under the Maritime Law Revision and Reform Committee (MLRRC), chaired by Federal Court judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan. "Many of Malaysia's maritime laws are based on pre-Merdeka laws, such as the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, and they were drafted for the applications of that time. It is not keeping up with modern industry developments," he said. He said the committee's review of six core maritime-related laws was a major step forward as Malaysia is positioning itself as a shipping hub. "We're in competition with countries like Singapore, which are far ahead in this regard. So it's important that our maritime laws are updated and competitive," he added. Yesterday, Loke said the Transport Ministry will table an Admiralty Bill. He said the Bill would be presented during the third session of Parliament this year, scheduled between October and December. Loke added that the MLRRC had been given one year to complete its review, which was aimed at harmonising the outdated laws.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ship owner takes legal action over North Sea crash
The owners of a container ship have filed a legal claim against the owners of a tanker that it struck in a crash in the North Sea. The Stena Immaculate, a US-registered tanker carrying aviation fuel, was anchored 16 miles (26km) off East Yorkshire when it was hit by the Portuguese-flagged Solong on 10 March. Court records indicate that a legal claim was filed at the Admiralty Court on Thursday by "the owners and demise charterers" of the Solong against "the owners and demise charterers" of the Stena Immaculate. It follows a separate legal claim filed against the owners of the Solong - Ernst Russ - on Monday by the co-owners of the Stena Immaculate, Stena Bulk and Crowley. No further details about either claim are currently available, with Stena Bulk having been approached for comment. In a statement on Thursday, a spokesperson for Ernst Russ said: "As part of the legal proceedings arising from the collision between the Solong and Stena Immaculate, the owners of the Solong have filed a claim in the Admiralty Court in London. "This is usual process for large maritime casualties and represents another step in working toward the conclusion of this tragic incident. "Meanwhile, Ernst Russ continues to offer all necessary assistance in support of the ongoing investigations." Following the incident, Stena Bulk said 17,515 barrels of jet fuel were lost due to the crash and the subsequent fire, with the Solong still burning a week after the incident before arriving in Aberdeen on Friday. On Monday, Ernst Russ confirmed it had set up a fund ahead of any "verified" legal claims against it. On Thursday, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) released an interim report into the incident, which resulted in fires and a rescue operation that saved 36 crew from both vessels. It found the vessels did not have "dedicated lookouts" in what were "patchy conditions". One crew member on the Solong, Mark Pernia, is missing and presumed dead. He was reported to be in the forward area of the ship at the time of impact. The ship's captain, Vladimir Motin, 59, of Primorsky, St Petersburg, Russia, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter, and is due to stand trial next year. Ships had no lookouts before crash, says report Cargo ship crash captain to stand trial next year Tonnes of plastic cleared after North Sea crash Crash oil tanker to have its cargo of fuel removed
BBC News
03-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Ship owner takes legal action over North Sea crash
The owners of a container ship have filed a legal claim against the owners of a tanker that it struck in a crash in the North Stena Immaculate, a US-registered tanker carrying aviation fuel, was anchored 16 miles (26km) off East Yorkshire when it was hit by the Portuguese-flagged Solong on 10 records indicate that a legal claim was filed at the Admiralty Court on Thursday by "the owners and demise charterers" of the Solong against "the owners and demise charterers" of the Stena follows a separate legal claim filed against the owners of the Solong - Ernst Russ - on Monday by the co-owners of the Stena Immaculate, Stena Bulk and Crowley. No further details about either claim are currently available, with Stena Bulk having been approached for a statement on Thursday, a spokesperson for Ernst Russ said: "As part of the legal proceedings arising from the collision between the Solong and Stena Immaculate, the owners of the Solong have filed a claim in the Admiralty Court in London."This is usual process for large maritime casualties and represents another step in working toward the conclusion of this tragic incident."Meanwhile, Ernst Russ continues to offer all necessary assistance in support of the ongoing investigations."Following the incident, Stena Bulk said 17,515 barrels of jet fuel were lost due to the crash and the subsequent fire, with the Solong still burning a week after the incident before arriving in Aberdeen on Monday, Ernst Russ confirmed it had set up a fund ahead of any "verified" legal claims against it. On Thursday, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) released an interim report into the incident, which resulted in fires and a rescue operation that saved 36 crew from both found the vessels did not have "dedicated lookouts" in what were "patchy conditions".One crew member on the Solong, Mark Pernia, is missing and presumed dead. He was reported to be in the forward area of the ship at the time of ship's captain, Vladimir Motin, 59, of Primorsky, St Petersburg, Russia, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter, and is due to stand trial next year.
The Independent
31-03-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Owner of North Sea collision ship seeks to set up fund for legal claims
The owner of the container ship that collided with a US tanker in the North Sea earlier this month has sought to set up a fund ahead of any 'verified' legal claims against it following the incident. MS Solong Schiffahrtsgesellschaft MBH & Co KG, a subsidiary of Ernst Russ, which owns the ship Solong, filed documents at the Admiralty Court in London on Wednesday, according to court records. It follows the Portuguese-flagged vessel crashing into the anchored tanker Stena Immaculate off the East Yorkshire coast on March 10. Rescuers saved 36 people from both ships, with one sailor from the Solong, named as Filipino national Mark Angelo Pernia, 38, missing and presumed dead. Court records show that the 'limitation of liability' claim was filed against logistics firm Samskip MCL BV, and 'all other persons claiming or being entitled to claim loss or damage arising out of or in connection with or resulting from the collision' between the two vessels. The records also state that a separate legal claim has been filed at the same court by Stena Bulk Marine Services USA LLC, which owns the Stena Immaculate, and Crowley-Stena Marine Solutions LLC, the maritime company managing the ship, against MS Solong Schiffahrtsgesellschaft. No further details about that claim are currently available, with Stena Bulk having been approached for comment. In a statement on Monday, Ernst Russ said that the company was 'seeking to face claims' and was setting up the fund for those who have 'verified claims against Solong's owner'. A spokesperson said: 'The North Sea collision and subsequent fire that involved the container vessel Solong caused substantial damage to both vessels. 'We remain mindful of the loss of a seafarer in this incident, and such a loss felt by the family of Mark Angelo Pernia, his friends and maritime colleagues. 'It became clear to us as owners, and all those involved in the salvage operation, that Solong was critically damaged in the collision and fire, and consequently Ernst Russ has sought a port of refuge for Solong in Aberdeen, to bring her to safety, undertake expert assessment of the damage sustained and deal with damaged containers and cargo on board. 'Whilst the Solong is likely to be a total loss due to the severe damage, Ernst Russ and their insurers remain committed to the safe conclusion of this tragic incident. Ernst Russ are also very grateful to the Port of Aberdeen for accommodating the stricken vessel. 'Given the substantial damage arising from the collision, it follows that the company is setting up a fund in the Admiralty Court in London. This 'limitation fund' is then available for parties who have verified claims against Solong's owner. 'The incident occurred in territorial waters of the UK and there are interested parties and potential claimants residing in the UK, such as public authorities, hence the setting up of a fund in the UK is the most appropriate way forward. 'Owners of the Solong are seeking to face claims and ensure a fund is available for any proven claims. 'This is usual process for large maritime casualties, and the fund provides necessary security for potential claimants' claims. 'Meanwhile, Ernst Russ continues to offer all necessary assistance in support of the ongoing investigations.' Meanwhile, the Solong's captain, Vladimir Motin, 59, of St Petersburg, Russia, appeared at the Old Bailey on March 21, charged with gross negligence manslaughter and is due to face trial in January next year. A previous court hearing was told that the collision happened at about 9.47am on March 10, at 10.2 nautical miles from the nearest point on the coast. The Stena Immaculate anchored at the point of the collision at 6.50pm on the previous evening, with the Solong travelling at about 15 knots when it hit the port side of the other vessel. Stena Bulk said following the incident that 17,515 barrels of jet fuel were lost due to the collision and the subsequent fire, with the Solong still burning a week after the collision before arriving in Aberdeen on Friday.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Owner of North Sea collision ship seeks to set up fund for legal claims
The owner of the container ship that collided with a US tanker in the North Sea earlier this month has sought to set up a fund ahead of any 'verified' legal claims against it following the incident. MS Solong Schiffahrtsgesellschaft MBH & Co KG, a subsidiary of Ernst Russ, which owns the ship Solong, filed documents at the Admiralty Court in London on Wednesday, according to court records. It follows the Portuguese-flagged vessel crashing into the anchored tanker Stena Immaculate off the East Yorkshire coast on March 10. Rescuers saved 36 people from both ships, with one sailor from the Solong, named as Filipino national Mark Angelo Pernia, 38, missing and presumed dead. Court records show that the 'limitation of liability' claim was filed against logistics firm Samskip MCL BV, and 'all other persons claiming or being entitled to claim loss or damage arising out of or in connection with or resulting from the collision' between the two vessels. The records also state that a separate legal claim has been filed at the same court by Stena Bulk Marine Services USA LLC, which owns the Stena Immaculate, and Crowley-Stena Marine Solutions LLC, the maritime company managing the ship, against MS Solong Schiffahrtsgesellschaft. No further details about that claim are currently available, with Stena Bulk having been approached for comment. In a statement on Monday, Ernst Russ said that the company was 'seeking to face claims' and was setting up the fund for those who have 'verified claims against Solong's owner'. A spokesperson said: 'The North Sea collision and subsequent fire that involved the container vessel Solong caused substantial damage to both vessels. 'We remain mindful of the loss of a seafarer in this incident, and such a loss felt by the family of Mark Angelo Pernia, his friends and maritime colleagues. 'It became clear to us as owners, and all those involved in the salvage operation, that Solong was critically damaged in the collision and fire, and consequently Ernst Russ has sought a port of refuge for Solong in Aberdeen, to bring her to safety, undertake expert assessment of the damage sustained and deal with damaged containers and cargo on board. 'Whilst the Solong is likely to be a total loss due to the severe damage, Ernst Russ and their insurers remain committed to the safe conclusion of this tragic incident. Ernst Russ are also very grateful to the Port of Aberdeen for accommodating the stricken vessel. 'Given the substantial damage arising from the collision, it follows that the company is setting up a fund in the Admiralty Court in London. This 'limitation fund' is then available for parties who have verified claims against Solong's owner. 'The incident occurred in territorial waters of the UK and there are interested parties and potential claimants residing in the UK, such as public authorities, hence the setting up of a fund in the UK is the most appropriate way forward. 'Owners of the Solong are seeking to face claims and ensure a fund is available for any proven claims. 'This is usual process for large maritime casualties, and the fund provides necessary security for potential claimants' claims. 'Meanwhile, Ernst Russ continues to offer all necessary assistance in support of the ongoing investigations.' Meanwhile, the Solong's captain, Vladimir Motin, 59, of St Petersburg, Russia, appeared at the Old Bailey on March 21, charged with gross negligence manslaughter and is due to face trial in January next year. A previous court hearing was told that the collision happened at about 9.47am on March 10, at 10.2 nautical miles from the nearest point on the coast. The Stena Immaculate anchored at the point of the collision at 6.50pm on the previous evening, with the Solong travelling at about 15 knots when it hit the port side of the other vessel. Stena Bulk said following the incident that 17,515 barrels of jet fuel were lost due to the collision and the subsequent fire, with the Solong still burning a week after the collision before arriving in Aberdeen on Friday.
