PTP to sue Rising Star for oil spill in 2016

PETALING JAYA: MMC Corp Bhd’s 70% owned subsidiary Port of Tanjung Pelepas is suing Rising Star Shipping Sdn Bhd (RSS) and The Shipowners’ Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association (Luxembourg) Singapore Branch for RM31.86 million and interest, for an oil spill at its premises, which happened almost a year ago.
In a filing with the local stock exchange, MMC said it had filed the suit at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on July 18.
RSS, is the registered and beneficial owner of MV Trident Star, whereas the association is a mutual insurance association that offers protection and indemnity insurance to vessels’ owners, operators and charterers worldwide.
MMC said the vessel, in the course of loading a cargo of 2,500 tonnes of marine fuel oil in August 2016, had an overflow from one of its tanks onto the upper deck of the vessel, which spilled into the sea. The oil spill spread and entered PTP’s premises causing oil pollution damage. Maersk Line reportedly issued a note to divert ships from PTP to Singapore at the time.
RSS had earlier on Feb 17, 2017 obtained a declaration from the Kuala Lumpur High Court limiting its liability to the maximum amount of 4.51 million Special Drawing Rights (equivalent to RM25 million). The filing on July 18 is to secure the interest and right of PTP towards the special drawing rights. Any amount in excess will be claimed against the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund in London.