FSUE «Atomflot» is obligated to pay nearly $1.5 million for damage to the LNG tanker «Fedor Litke». The decision was made by the arbitration court of the Murmansk Region. The sum includes actual damages, lost profit, and interest accrued from April 29, 2021, to September 18, 2024. «Atomflot» will also have to pay interest accruing from September 19, 2024.
The incident occurred in the port of Sabetta when the icebreaker «Ob» struck the tanker, which was at the pier. As a result of the collision, the ship sustained cracks and dents. 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 ship headed to Denmark for final repairs.
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 a sum of over $1 million for actual damages and $1.4 million for lost profit. A forensic examination confirmed the necessity of repair costs and additional bunker expenses.
«Atomflot» and the insurance company VSK contested the claim, questioning the amount of damages and the necessity of 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 damages.
Thus, «Atomflot» and VSK are obligated to pay compensation, which underscores the importance of complying with safety regulations in maritime transport.
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