NEW ORLEANS – A sugar distributor has filed a suit against a ship and its owners alleging that the ship damaged a dock, rendering it unusable until it is repaired.
Louisiana Sugar Refining LLC filed a complaint on March 28 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana against Star of Abu Dhabi, along with her engine boilers, apparel, etc.; Abu Dhabi Shipping International S.A.; Fairmont Shipping (H.K.) LTD; and Japan Ship Owners' P&I Association, citing negligence.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on March 25 it suffered damages in the amount of $20 million because of the defendants' actions. The plaintiff holds the defendants responsible because the defendants' vessel allegedly broke free from its anchor upstream and crashed into the plaintiff's dock. The allision was solely due to negligence of the defendants, the suit states.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks a judgment in its favor and against defendant in the amount of $20 million, subject to amendments, plus interest; an order placing the vessel under arrest; and for such other relief as the court may deem just and proper. It is represented by Benjamin O. Schupp and Adam C. McNeil of McGlinchey Stafford PLLC in New Orleans and Matthew F. Popp of Waits, Emmett, Popp & Teich LLC in New Orleans.
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana Case number 3:16-cv-00199