When financial crisis hits a company, it will inevitably seek financial protection from its creditors which may or may not) involve a period of re-organisation, during which the company may continue to trade. Faced with a defaulting counterparty in financial difficulty, shipowners and operators will have key questions which need to be answered so that commercial decisions can be taken promptly to mitigate the risk of financial exposure. Often the issues are very complex and involve jurisdictional questions of maritime, insolvency and rehabilitation laws and local court procedures.
This guide aims to highlight the key legal issues which Members may face in what continues to be a tough and challenging shipping market. Produced in a FAQ format, the publication focuses on 10 key jurisdictions and offers an overview of the potential legal and jurisdictional issues that insolvency / rehabilitation proceedings present.
Since 2008 the UK Defence Club has been involved in many cases concerning defaulting counterparties and those which have sought bankruptcy protection. The most high profile of these was the collapse of the OW Bunker Group of companies which gave rise to the well-publicised dispute concerning the RES COGITANS, a case in which the UK Defence Club supported its owner Member through various appeals to the Supreme Court. The UK Defence Club's extensive experience and expertise means it is well placed to assist Members in navigating through such complex issues.
The UK P&I Club recently held a Webinar on the subject of Mooring operations and safety; the Webinar received overwhelming response with about 2350 registrations from 78 countries.
We have been working with over 200 members of our correspondents network to produce a comprehensive document that outlines challenges and changes for crew changes in ports.
Please find below information received from UK Club correspondent in Turkey, Vitsan; the circular outlines the recent announcement that wash water discharge of open-loop scrubbers is prohibited in Turkish waters.
