Commonwealth of Australia v Shenzhen Energy Transport Co Ltd – Federal Court (Collier J) [2015] FCA 757 – 23 July 2015

Practice – Discovery – 1976 Convention on Limitation of Liability for Marine Claims – “Distinct occasion” – Whether applicant entitled to order for discovery of documents

In April 2010 the vessel Shen Neng I caused damage to the Douglas Shoal in the Great Barrier Reef. The Commonwealth of Australia (the applicant) sought damages in the amount of AUS$194,000,000 from the owner of the vessel (the respondent).