REITER PETROLEUM INC v THE SHIP “SAM HAWK”

[2016] 2 Lloyd's Rep. 639

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Before Chief Justice Allsop,Justice Kenny,Justice Rares,Justice Besanko,Justice Edelman

Admiralty jurisdiction – Action in rem – Time-charterer failing to pay for bunkers supplied to vessel – Bunker suppliers arresting vessel in Australia on basis of maritime lien under United States or Canadian law – Whether foreign maritime lien recognised under Australian law – Whether court had in rem jurisdiction – Whether shipowner entitled to summary judgment – Admiralty Act 1988 (Cth), sections 15 and 17.