Universe Tankships Inc. of Monrovia v. International Transport Workers’ Federation and ors. (The Universe Sentinel) - House of Lords (Lords Diplock, Cross, Russell, Scarman and Brandon) - 1 April 1982

Shipowners recover contributions paid under duress to ITF welfare fund

The appellant shipowners had paid a sum of money to the ITF in order to have the blacking of their vessel Universe Sentinel lifted so as to enable her to leave the port of Milford Haven. Part of this sum - $6,480 - was paid as a contribution to the Seafarers’ International Welfare Protection and Assistance Fund (“the welfare fund”) - a fund established and administered by the ITF.