The “Chem Orchid” – Singapore High Ct (Steven Chong J) [2015] SGHC 50 – 18 February 2015

Admiralty jurisdiction – Whether person liable on claim in personam was demise charterer of arrested vessel at time of issue of writs in rem – Whether demise charter validly terminated prior to issue of writs – Whether redelivery of vessel necessary to terminate demise charter – Whether writs in rem should be set aside

Han Kook Capital Co Ltd (HKC) was the registered owner of the vessel Chem Orchid. By a Vessel Lease Contract (the Lease Agreement) entered into between HKC and Sejin Maritime Co Ltd (Sejin) on 1 February 2010 HKC leased Chem Orchid to Sejin for a total of 108 months. The Lease Agreement was governed by Korean law and was akin to a charter by demise.