HC orders arrest of Panama-flagged vessel over unpaid dues at Ctg Port
Court directs authorities to detain M.V. Princess Jia Jia as security in admiralty suit over unpaid ship supply bills
The High Court Division of the Supreme Court has ordered the arrest of a Panama-flagged vessel at Chattogram Port's outer anchorage over unpaid dues related to ship supplies.
The order came in connection with Admiralty Suit no. 25 of 2026 filed by Ken Lee Shipchandler Ltd and Ken Lee Export Services Ltd against the vessel M.V. Princess Jia Jia (IMO No. 9189926).
Justice Sikder Mahmudur Razi passed the order yesterday (4 May), allowing the plaintiffs' application to arrest the vessel under the court's admiralty jurisdiction, Barrister Iftekhar Ahmed, counsel for the plaintiffs, confirmed the development to The Business Standard.
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"The court has directed the Chattogram Port Authority, the superintendent of police and the principal officer of the Mercantile Marine Department to execute the arrest," Iftekhar said.
According to the court order, the plaintiffs supplied ship stores, provisions and spare parts to the vessel at Port Louis, Mauritius, between 22 and 23 October 2025 on the instructions of the ship's owners or managers. The vessel's master acknowledged receipt of the goods with signature and seal, but the invoices remain unpaid.
The court was also informed that the vessel has a history of payment defaults in other admiralty claims.
After hearing the petition, the court admitted the suit and directed the Marshal of the Admiralty Court to arrest the vessel and keep it in safe custody as security against the claim until further orders, also issuing a series of directives to ensure enforcement of the order.
To ensure enforcement, the court instructed the chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority to provide logistical support, including a speedboat or tugboat with pilot for the Marshal's movement.
The superintendent of police has been asked to deploy armed personnel, while the harbour master, customs authorities and other relevant agencies have been directed to assist and ensure the vessel does not leave Bangladeshi waters.
The vessel will remain under arrest unless the court is satisfied that no payment obligation exists or adequate security is furnished by the defendants, as per the court's directive.
The next hearing in the case has been fixed for 9 June 2026, when the defendants are scheduled to appear before the court.
