OWNER AND/OR DEMISE CHARTERER OF THE VESSEL “A SYMPHONY” v OWNER AND/OR DEMISE CHARTERER OF THE VESSEL “SEA JUSTICE” (THE “SEA JUSTICE”)

[2024] Lloyd's Rep. Plus 61

HIGH COURT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE

Before Judicial Commissioner Kristy Tan

Admiralty – Action in rem – Conflict of laws – Collision – Limitation fund constituted in court in China – Vessel arrest and security in Singapore – Vessel released – Plaintiff seeking retention of security where other forum the natural and appropriate forum – Judicial comity – Shipowner’s right to choose the limitation forum – The Spiliada – The Rena K principle – Duty of disclosure – Convention on the Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims 1976, as amended by the 1996 Protocol.