NEW ORLEANS – The owners of a terminal in Geismar are seeking damages against a marine transportation company after one of the company boats allegedly crashed into a terminal structure, causing almost $200,000 in damages.
International-Matex Tank Terminals LLC filed a complaint in federal court against American Commercial Barge Line LLC and the vessel M/V Jenifer Tretter.
According to court documents, IMTT owns a bulk terminal in Geismar, Louisiana. IMTT claims that on November 11, 2022, the M/V Jenifer Tretter and Barge MPX-405, under ACBL's control, collided with IMTT's breasting dolphin No. 2 on the Mississippi River, causing severe damages.
IMTT claims the damages resulted from the unseaworthiness of M/V Jenifer Tretter and negligence on the part of ACBL, its master, crew and those in charge. The complaint cites specific acts of negligence, including failure to maintain a proper lookout, control the vessel, chart a safe course and other violations of safety and operational requirements. IMTT says ACBL's hiring of an incompetent crew and the violation of rules and regulations contributed to the collision.
IMTT seeks $196,415.70 for repair and replacement costs for the damaged dock and associated structures, delay costs, inspection costs, engineering costs and other consequential damages. In addition, IMTT is seeking salvage costs, surveying and inspection costs, interest, court costs, attorney fees and other relief. IMTT says ACBL is not entitled to exoneration or limitation of liability and may be liable for defective equipment and negligence.
The plaintiff is being represented by Elton F. Duncan and Kelley A. Sevin of Duncan & Sevin in New Orleans.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana case number 2:23-cv-06810