FSUE "Atomflot" is obliged to pay almost $1.5 million for damage to the LNG tanker "Fedor Litke". The decision was made by the Arbitration Court of the Murmansk Region. The amount includes actual damage, lost profits, and interest accrued from April 29, 2021, to September 18, 2024. Also, "Atomflot" will have to pay interest accruing from September 19, 2024.
The incident occurred in the port of Sabetta when the icebreaker "Ob" touched the tanker, which was at the pier. As a result of the collision, cracks and dents formed on the vessel. Temporary repairs were carried out in a Russian port, and on February 2, 2021, the tanker set sail, but with a changed route to Zeebrugge, Belgium. After unloading, the vessel headed for final repairs in Denmark.
The Cypriot company Saddleback Shipping, the tanker's charterer, filed a lawsuit seeking compensation for losses. During the proceedings, the company clarified its claims, ultimately requesting an amount of more than $1 million for actual damage and $1.4 million for lost profits. A forensic examination confirmed the need for repair costs and additional bunker costs.
"Atomflot" and the VSK insurance company disputed the claim, questioning the amount of losses and the need for repairs. However, the court rejected most of the objections. As a result, the actual damage was estimated at $1.036 million, and the lost profit amounted to $256,000. The court also determined that the insurance company should pay only a quarter of the total amount of losses.
Thus, "Atomflot" and VSK are obliged to pay compensation, which emphasizes the importance of complying with safety rules in maritime transport.
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