The owner of the container ship Solong, which collided with a US tanker in the North Sea earlier this month, has taken legal steps to establish a fund for verified claims ahead of potential legal action.
MS Solong Schiffahrtsgesellschaft MBH & Co KG, a subsidiary of Ernst Russ, filed documents at the Admiralty Court in London on Wednesday, according to court records.
The move follows the collision between the Portuguese-flagged Solong and the anchored tanker Stena Immaculate off the East Yorkshire coast on 10 March.
Tragic incident and rescue efforts
The collision led to a major maritime emergency, with 36 people rescued from both vessels. However, one crew member from the Solong, Mark Angelo Pernia, 38, a Filipino national, remains missing and is presumed dead.
A fire broke out following the crash, causing substantial damage to both ships. The Solong continued burning for a week before it was eventually brought into port at Aberdeen for assessment and salvage operations.
Legal proceedings underway
Court records reveal that a limitation of liability claim has been filed against logistics firm Samskip MCL BV and “all other persons claiming or being entitled to claim loss or damage arising out of or in connection with or resulting from the collision.”
Additionally, a separate legal claim has been lodged at the Admiralty Court by Stena Bulk Marine Services USA LLC—the owner of the Stena Immaculate—and Crowley-Stena Marine Solutions LLC, which manages the tanker.
No further details about this claim have been released, and Stena Bulk has yet to comment on the proceedings.
Ernst Russ responds to legal action
In a statement issued on Monday, Ernst Russ confirmed that it was establishing a fund to ensure that those with verified claims against Solong‘s owner can seek compensation.
A spokesperson for the company said:
“The North Sea collision and subsequent fire involving the container vessel Solong caused substantial damage to both vessels.
“We remain mindful of the loss of a seafarer in this incident, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Mark Angelo Pernia, his friends, and maritime colleagues.”
The company also acknowledged that the damage to the Solong was critical, making it likely that the ship will be declared a total loss.
“It became clear to us as owners, and all those involved in the salvage operation, that Solong was critically damaged in the collision and fire.
“Consequently, Ernst Russ has sought a port of refuge in Aberdeen to ensure her safety, conduct an expert assessment of the damage, and handle the damaged containers and cargo on board.”
Legal fund to ensure compensation
The ‘limitation fund’ is being set up at the Admiralty Court in London, ensuring that all parties with verified claims have a means of seeking compensation.
The company stated:
“Given the substantial damage arising from the collision, it follows that the company is setting up a fund in the UK Admiralty Court.
“This ‘limitation fund’ will be available for parties with verified claims against Solong‘s owner.
“The incident occurred in UK territorial waters, and there are interested parties and potential claimants residing in the UK, including public authorities.
“For that reason, setting up a fund in the UK is the most appropriate course of action.”
The company emphasised that such legal steps are standard practice for large maritime incidents.
“This is usual process for large maritime casualties, and the fund provides necessary security for potential claimants.”
Additionally, Ernst Russ and its insurers remain fully committed to ensuring the safe resolution of this tragic incident and are offering full cooperation with ongoing investigations.
Captain facing criminal charges
Meanwhile, the Solong’s captain, Vladimir Motin, 59, of St Petersburg, Russia, appeared at the Old Bailey on 21 March, charged with gross negligence manslaughter.
A previous court hearing revealed that the collision occurred at 9.47 am on 10 March, approximately 10.2 nautical miles from the nearest point on the East Yorkshire coast.
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The Stena Immaculate had been anchored at the location since 6.50 pm the previous evening. The Solong, travelling at around 15 knots, collided with the tanker’s port side, resulting in severe damage and the devastating fire.
Captain Motin’s trial is scheduled to begin in January next year.
Environmental impact and cargo loss
Following the collision, Stena Bulk confirmed that 17,515 barrels of jet fuel were lost, worsening the fire and damage.
Environmental concerns have been raised over the potential fuel spill, with authorities monitoring the long-term ecological impact of the accident.
Next steps in legal battle
As investigations continue, the Admiralty Court will now oversee legal claims and compensation for all parties affected.
Meanwhile, the wrecked Solong remains at Aberdeen, where efforts to safely manage the damaged cargo are ongoing.
Authorities are expected to release further findings as investigations into the cause of the collision progress.
