Bright Shipping Ltd v The Changhong Group (HK) Ltd (The “CF Crystal” and The “Sanchi”) – High Ct of Hong Kong SAR (CFI) (Anthony Chan J) [2018] HKCFI 2474 – 15 November 2018

Conflict of laws – Forum non conveniens – Collision at sea within exclusive economic zone of PRC – Plaintiff bringing proceedings against defendant in Shanghai Maritime Court and also in Hong Kong – Defendant applying for stay of Hong Kong proceedings on grounds of forum non conveniens and lis alibi pendens – Whether Hong Kong proceedings should be stayed in favour of Shanghai Maritime Court

On6 January 2018 a collision occurred between the defendant’s cargo vessel CF Crystal and the plaintiff’s tanker Sanchi. The collision occurred at a location about 125 nautical miles from Changjiang Kou Light Ship in the East China Sea. Sanchi exploded immediately upon collision and eventually sank.