Qatar National Bank QPSC v Yacht Force India, Owner of the [2020]

Qatar National Bank QPSC v Yacht Force India, Owner of the [2020] EWHC 103 — 29 January 2020 (Teare J)

“To enforce a mortgage on the superyacht "Force India", the Claimant bank commenced in rem proceedings and arrested the Vessel at Southampton. The Owners acknowledged service and defended the claim. A trial of the action was fixed for January 2020. The Owners did not attend and the Court in those circumstances was entitled to and did, strike out the Defence. Nevertheless, the Court required the Claimant bank to prove its claim, given the risk that others having in rem claims against the Vessel might otherwise be prejudiced. In the event the Claimant bank did prove its claim and obtained judgment, following which ancillary orders, such as appraisal and sale, might be made.”

Louise Glover
E. G. Arghyrakis & Co.
29th January 2020