A Lomar Shipping vessel was arrested in Singapore this week as a result of a collision damage claim. It was quickly released.
The 2,190-teu containership Barry Trader (built 2014) was seized at the request of Mackenzie Shipping, an affiliate of Singapore-based X-Press Feeders that is the registered owner of the 1,688-teu containership X-Press Mahananda (built 2007).
David Wilson, Lomar head of communications, told TradeWinds the company was taking steps to secure the vessel's release and that cargo handling had resumed in anticipation.
Wilson explained that the claim came about because of an incident in June, when the Barry Trader broke its moorings during a sudden powerful tornado while docked in the Bangladeshi port of Chittagong.
'Force majeure event'
He described the Barry Trader's collision with the X-Press Mahananda as a "force majeure event" and noted that several vessels had broken their moorings despite prompt action from harbour tugs.
"Although our P&I club representatives had already been in contact with the X-Press Mahananda's representatives, we were surprised yesterday to receive notice of the court action. We are currently discussing and offering all necessary securities ahead of the disputed liability claim. We hope to have the arrest lifted imminently," he said.
In February, Lomar was reported to have fixed the Barry Trader to Sinokor Merchant Marine for 10 to 12 months at a firm rate of about $14,900 per day.
