Update: since the original article was published the planned seizure of NORBANK has been cancelled. It appears some form of settlement has been found. From P&O Ferries “A spokesperson for Seatruck Ferries said at 4pm the matter had been resolved and the Norbank would not be arrested when it docked at Dublin”.
Update #2: (23.04.20 @ 08:03): A spokesperson for P&O said: “Contrary to reports, this money was paid and there is no outstanding issue. The Norbank is operating as planned.”
It has been reported that the high court in Dublin has ordered the seizure of P&O Ferries NORBANK this evening due to an unpaid debt. The ferry, which is the sister ship to NORBAY which was detained in Liverpool last week, is to be arrested when it arrives in Dublin this evening reports breakingnews.ie. The arrest warrant was sought by Seatruck Ferries in relation to a debt of £381,000 owed in relation to the charter of CLIPPER PENNANT. NORBANK is currently inbound to Dublin from Liverpool.
Security
NORBANK is to be seized as security for the debt owed for the charter of CLIPPER PENNANT. The latter vessel has been on charter to P&O Ferries subsidiary P&O European Ferries (Irish Sea) Ltd since November 2019. According to Seatruck Ferries legal submission, payment was due on April 8 this year and the company are very concerned that the sums owed to it will not be paid. It was also claimed that the company had been informed CLIPPER PENNANT had (previously) been detained in Dublin Port over an alleged failure to pay harbour dues.
More Dublin – Liverpool problems
The ordered seizure is the latest twist in a torrid week for P&O Ferries Liverpool-Dublin operation. NORBAY was prevented from leaving Liverpool last Thursday morning over a payment dispute with Liverpool Port owner Peel Ports. The ship was only released on Monday. On Sunday morning, NORBANK conducted a berthing trial at Mostyn in North Wales. Although P&O Ferries refused to comment, this would appear to have been to try the port as an alternative to Liverpool. ITV and RTE had both reported previously that P&O were looking at alternatives to Liverpool. The following day it appears an agreement was found with Peel Ports with NORBAY released.
Update #2: (23.04.20 @ 08:03): A spokesperson for P&O said: “Contrary to reports, this money was paid and there is no outstanding issue. The Norbank is operating as planned.”
