MV Pacific Pearl Co Ltd v Quick Ship Holdings SA [2022] EWHC 2828 – 11 November 2022 (Baker J)

Panamax Alexander (“PA”) was moored in a narrow part of the Suez Canal awaiting repairs/towage following a collision the previous day. NYK Falcon (“F”) and NYK Orpheus (“O”) passed by PA as part of a convoy. After F cleared PA the latter’s stern ropes parted and she swung into the channel. O collided with her. In consolidated proceedings the Court found F “clumsy” in the passing manoeuvre but greater blame lay with PA’s poor mooring and reaction and O’s excessive speed. PA and O were more than doubly to blame. Pa and O were ordered to pay 5/12 of the other damages and F 1/6 of PA’s.