The London Steam-Ship Owners’ Mutual Insurance Association Ltd v The Kingdom of Spain & anr

Tuesday 30th November – Wednesday 1st December 2021

NOTE:  DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES THE SECOND DAY OF THIS APPEAL WILL BE HEARD FULLY REMOTELY AND WILL NOT BE LIVE STREAMED

The London Steamship Owners Mutual Insurance Association Limited, appeals paragraph 1 of the Order of Mr Justice Butcher dated 21st December 2020 referring three questions to the European Court of Justice on the interpretation of Regulation 44/2001.

Background

This case arises out of the total loss of the M/T PRESTIGE (the Vessel) off the coast of Spain in November 2002. The incident caused widespread oil pollution and extensive damage to, in particular, the Spanish and French coastlines.  Both criminal and civil proceedings were brought in Spain against the Master, Chief Officer and Chief Engineer of the Vessel.  Civil proceedings were also brought against the Club as liability insurers of the Owners.

View day 1 of hearing:

Part 1

Part 2