LG v Rina SpA and Another – Opinion of Advocate General Szpunar – CJEU Case C 641/18 – 14 January 2020

Europeanlaw – Jurisdiction – Plaintiffs bringing action in Italy for damages in tort againstItalian classification societies operating on behalf of Republic of Panama – Defendantscontesting jurisdiction and relying on principle of state immunity – Whether Italiancourt had jurisdiction to hear claims pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 44/2001

In 2006the vessel Al Salam Boccaccio ’98, sailing under the flag of the Republicof Panama, sank in the Red Sea causing great loss of life. The relatives of thevictims, together with survivors, brought an action in Italy against the defendantsRina SpA and Ente Registro Italiano Navale.