CENTEL SHIPPING CO LTD V OWNERS AND/OR DEMISE CHARTERERS OF THE SHIP OR VESSEL "KING COAL"

[2012] HKCFI 2103, Hong Kong Court of First Instance, Thomas Au J, 13 December 2012

Admiralty - Action brought by assignee of wages due to master and crew members of ship - Whether claim fell within admiralty jurisdiction - Assignment and subrogation of maritime liens - Arrest Convention 1952 - High Court Ordinance (Cap 4) section 12A(2)(n)

A company affiliated with charterers had paid the master's and crew members' wages in order to secure the continued service of the crew. They had King Coal arrested in order to recover the wages paid, arguing that they had taken over the rights and the maritime lien of the crew.