GRETNA – A company specializing in the storage of liquid chemicals is sung a lessee it claims damaged a storage tank by storing corrosive materials in it, resulting in significant repair fees and the loss of rental income.
International-Matex Tank Terminals filed suit against Trafigura AG Inc. and John W. Stone Oil Distributors LLC in the 24th Judicial District Court on Feb. 26.
International-Matex Tank Terminals (IMTT), the owner of a chemical liquid storage facility located in St. Rose, claims it entered into a contract with Trafigura and John W. Stone Oil Distributors between July 7, 2009 and March 21, 2012 to store fuel oil cutter stocks. On Feb. 28, 2014 the plaintiff alleges the defendant sent notice it would terminate its lease agreement on the property. However, IMTT contends that when it inspected the tank it found it had suffered significant corrosion and pitting damage during Trafigura and John W. Stone Oil Distributors' lease caused by the storage of corrosive chemicals not supported by IMTT’s tanks.
The plaintiff claims it lost $494,098.33 in rent due to needing to repair the tank leased by the defendant before another tenant could lease it.
The defendant is accused of breach of lease agreement and negligence.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for amounts spent to remediate and repair the damaged tank, unpaid rents, lost revenue, internal personnel costs for repairs and attorney’s fees.
IMTT is represented by Elton F. Duncan III of New Orleans-based Duncan & Sevin LLC.
The case has been assigned to Division F Judge Michael P. Mentz.
Case no. 747-142.
Storage tank facility seeks at least $494K alleging corrosive chemicals stored on property by lessees caused damage
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