Asia/Pacific News
Singapore Bunker Tanker Arrested
A bunker tanker yesterday was arrested at Singapore's Eastern Bunkering Anchorage, becoming one of a number of vessels to be caught up is legal action following the bankruptcy of OW Bunker, the New Straits Times reports.
Data from Online vessel valuation service VesselsValue.com showed the 1993 built 2,800 dwt tanker Laguna is owned by Norr Systems Pte Ltd (Norr) and valued at $1.1 million.
A report by Tradewinds said the arrest action was brought by Singapore-based trader Hin Leong, who Ship & Bunker reported yesterday was seeking damages of $1.3 million from OW Bunker.
According to the report, the arrest claim revolves around a 2,714 metric tonne (mt) cargo initially intended for delivery at the port of Tanjung Pengileh, Malaysia, where the bills of lading were marked "to the order of OW Bunker Far East".
Following the bankruptcy of OW Bunker, Hin Leong said it wanted to instead tranship the cargo to a tanker belonging to its subsidiary Ocean Tankers, something Norr said it was not responsible for doing.
Hin Leong says it still holds title to the cargo, while Norr denies any misdelivery.
Belgian fuel supplier Wiljo is in the process of seizing between 10-15 ships in connection with claims relating to OW Bunker.
