Maersk A/S v Mercuria energy Trading SA [2021] EWHC 2856 – 11 October 2021 (His Honour Judge Pelling QC)

When their cargo of copper was replaced by cobblestones, Mercuria commenced proceedings in Turkey against carrier Maersk, who, 5 weeks later, sought an anti-suit injunction (‘ASI’) to enforce the B/Ls’ exclusive English jurisdiction clause. Mercuria argued that Maersk had deliberately delayed until the expiry of the B/Ls’ time bar - so an ASI would cause prejudice as English proceedings would be fatally flawed. The Court nevertheless granted the ASI: the time bar was usual, nothing had prevented Mercuria commencing English protective proceedings or required Maersk to seek the ASI any earlier..