Novoship OJSC tanker is illegally arrested in Lagos (Nigeria)
August 22, 2009 tanker “Troitsk” (Novoship OJSC operator, Sovcomflot group of companies) was illegally arrested after being unloaded in the port of Lagos (Nigeria), press-service of the shipping line has informed on the matter today.
The tanker is currently anchored three sea miles away from the port of Lagos. The crew safely stays on board the vessel with foods and water available.
June 2, 2009 “Troitsk” was taken on charter by Vitol S.A. company for gasoline shipment ex Amsterdam (the Netherlands) to the port of Lagos (Nigeria). Upon the end of unloading the port administration refused to issue the permit for exit with reference to decision of Supreme Federal Court of Nigeria on the arrest of the vessel and its cargo as way to secure consignee’s claim against the third party. The ground for commercial dispute between the two companies is possible impurity of the gasoline (over 60,000 tons), that was sold to the plaintiff by the defendant in June, 2008.
As per Novoship OJSC, the ship-owner takes all the necessary legal actions to remove an arrest from “Troitsk” tanker. Four court sessions has already taken place to the date with another one appointed on October 21, 2009 with Novoship OJSC to be present.
”Troitsk” tanker built in 1996 is owned by Troitsk Shipping Inc.(a Liberian company). Novoship OJSC is the technical and commercial operator of the vessel.