AGA Partners has successfully arrested a vessel berthed in the port of Chornomorsk, Ukraine, securing a significant claim on behalf of our client for damages caused by contamination of a cargo of ammonium sulphate.

The client chartered the vessel for a voyage from Huanghua, China, to Chornomorsk, Ukraine. 12,500 metric tons of granular ammonium sulphate had been loaded onto the vessel in Huanghua, with a Bill of Lading issued. At loading, the cargo was confirmed to be in sound condition.

The situation took a turn when the vessel’s master issued a Sea Protest, noting severe weather conditions after passing the Maldives. During an emergency stop in Tripoli, Lebanon, a surveyor identified wet damage to the cargo, indicating that a full inspection upon unloading was necessary to determine the extent of the damage.

The vessel subsequently made a stop in Istanbul to complete all the necessary repairs.

Ultimately upon arrival at the discharge port of Chornomorsk, it was discovered that the cargo was severely damaged. Furthermore, the vessel’s technical issues caused significant delays in the discharge process, resulting in additional losses for the consignee.

Faced with these circumstances, the consignee initiated legal proceedings against the owners and sought the vessel’s arrest to secure their claim.

The Ukrainian court, after reviewing the arrest application prepared by AGA Partners, granted the order for the vessel’s arrest.

This legal action provided the client with substantial leverage in negotiations, culminating in a settlement agreement where the owners agreed to pay USD 375,000 to the Client in full settlement of all claims.

The AGA Partners’ team was represented by partner Ivan Kasyniuk, counsel Pavlo Lebediev and associate Tetiana Osypenko.