Thu 10 Mar 2016 13:47

Singapore firm alleges contaminated fuel, seeks $602,000


Lawsuit filed in Houston against four bunker supply chain companies.



Singapore's Galborg Pte Ltd has filed a lawsuit in Houston, alleging that it was sold off-specification fuel last year.

Galborg, which operates the liner service Gulf Africa Line (GAL) between the Gulf of Mexico, the U.S. East Coast and Southern Africa, filed the complaint on February 19 in the Houston Division of Texas Southern District Court against Kristensons-Petroleum Inc., Minerva Bunkers Pte Ltd, Buffalo Marine Services Inc. and Buffalo 90.

The plaintiff alleges in the document papers that it purchased bunker fuel from the defendants for its vessel Silverfjord on July 8, 2015.

Galborg holds the four defendants responsible for allegedly contaminating the bunker fuel with methacrylate polymer, which is said to have damaged the vessel as a result. The plaintiff alleges that it incurred damages of $602,773.42.

Galborg is being represented by William A. Durham of Eastham Watson Dale & Forney L.L.P (EWDF), a legal practice based in Houston.

According to its website, EWDF's primary focus is in the area of admiralty and maritime law. "All of the attorneys at Eastham, Watson, Dale & Forney specialize in maritime law and have backgrounds and training that complement the admiralty practice," the company says.

Gulf Africa Line (GAL) is specialized in the transport of containers, break bulk and bulk as well as heavy lifts and project cargoes. Galborg USA LLC has offices in Houston and Savannah.

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