Martin Energy Services LLC v M/V Bravante IX and Others – US District Ct (ND Florida) (Robert L Hinkle DJ) – 26 January 2017

Practice – Interpleader – Supply of bunkers – Collapse of OW Bunker Group – Distribution of monies paid into court by shipowners – Whether physical supplier had valid contractual claim or quantum meruit – Whether physical supplier had maritime lien – Equitable principles

Boldini Ltd (Boldini), a Brazilian company, arranged for fuel to be provided to its vessel Bravante VIII. Boldini contacted OW Bunker & Trading do Brasil (OW Brasil). Together with two affiliated entities – OW Bunker Middle East DMCC (OW Middle East) and OW Bunker USA Inc (OW USA) – OW Brasil arranged for Martin Energy Services LLC (Martin), a company based in Mobile, Alabama, to provide the necessary fuel to Bravante VIII.