Ship arrests in South Cyprus is governed by section 29 Courts of Justice Law (14/1960), the United Kingdom’s Administration of Justice Act 1956 which was passed so as to implement the Ship Arrest Convention 1952, Cyprus Admiralty Jurisdiction Order 1893 and case law. Cyprus is neither a party to the Brussels Liens and Mortgage Conventions nor the 1952 Ship Arrest Convention. The Supreme Court of the Republic of Cyprus acting as an Admiralty Court, has the inherent power to decide on matters regarding the arrest of property, as prescribed by rule 50 of the Cypriot Admiralty Jurisdiction Order 1893.
We pride ourselves in being the only North Cyprus law firm that has gained considerable experience in the field of shipping law in South Cyprus. Through our branch office in South Cyprus we have successfully obtained a ship arrest warrant from the Supreme Court against a Dutch vessel named North pursuant to a Turkish company’s claim for unpaid bunker fuel. This was the first time that the Supreme Court of Cyprus issued a warrant of arrest in favour of a Turkish company. The Supreme Court ruled that the vessel shall not leave the ports of Cyprus unless and until the outstanding debt was settled.
Drawing on our high experience, we can advise clients on the recovery and collection of outstanding debts by filing applications for the arrest of ships that stop at South Cyprus ports. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information about the precise requirements for ship arrests and for comprehensive advice on your particular facts and circumstances.
