Singapore: “Mira” released after satisfying USD 942,000 SimpleFuel bunker claim

The High Court of the Republic of Singapore on 18 December released Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Mira (IMO no. 9253076) after its owner and/or demise charterer satisfied a bunker claim.

Lawyers Oon & Bazul LLP representing SimpleFuel DMCC on 14 December obtained a warrant of arrest for the 49,016 dwt vessel over a bunker claim from the latter.

The UAE-based bunkering firm was seeking the principal sum of USD 942,000 (exact: USD 942,050.58) for the delivery of 1,800 mt of IFO-380HS RMG 380 3,5S and 250 mt of MGO 0,1S DMA 0,1S to the Mira at Ust-Luga port between 13 to 28 October over a 45-day credit term, according to court documents obtained by Manifold Times.

Three of the bunker invoices due to be paid on 9 December, and a fourth invoice due to be paid on 14 December, were left unpaid by vessel owner and/or demise charterer Sao Viet Petrol Transportation Co Ltd.

The payment delay, which ultimately led to the temporary arrest of Mira, was initially caused by a Letter of Protest from the master of Mira written on 25 October over the delivery barge’s pumping rate:

“This is to advise you that prior to the commencement of discharging STS to M/T MIRA, However, the total average receive rate achieved the MT MIRA can receive was 10.0 CuM/hr (START PUMPING AT 1320LT TO 1520LT), which has led to an obvious delay of the vessel.”

“Therefore, to protect my Owners, Charterers, and any Third Parties that are or may be concerned, I hereby formally protest this delay and hold you and your Principals liable for any damages that may arise as a result thereof. I hereby reserve the rights of my Owners and/or Charterers to refer to this matter at a later date, time and place.”

Related: Singapore: Liberia-flagged bulk carrier “Mira” placed under Sheriff’s arrest

Photo credit: MarineTraffic / Arfat Modak
Published: 29 December 2023