Tanner Honea

Arbitrated vessel owner’s dispute with charterer under SMA rules regarding amounts owed under the charterparty arising from demurrage.

Prosecuted multiple Rule B actions to attach funds of a contractual debtor under a contract of affreightment.

Represented slot-charterer in action under 19 U.S.C. § 1782 to obtain discovery concerning major engine room fire that crippled vessel, including the depositions of multiple crewmembers, expert surveys, and development of testing protocols.

Represented vessel owner in lawsuit concerning thousands of claims arising from vessel fire that allegedly damaged or delayed delivery of cargo and resulted in salvage and declaration of general average.

Defended vessel owners from government investigations into alleged violation of pollution laws, including representation during government investigations and criminal prosecutions.

Represented vessel owner in investigation by US Coast Guard and NTSB following a collision at sea where one of the vessels was lost and initiated subsequent lawsuit against offending vessel.

Initiated limitation actions on several occasions under 46 U.S.C. § 30501, et seq., to protect vessel owners’ interests and defend against losses arising from vessel collisions, personal injury claims, and other forms of loss.

Arbitrated dispute culminating in a two-week hearing regarding the sale of LNG liquefaction equipment and related components, specifically focusing on arguments concerning design of the cold box.

Successfully petitioned US Customs to reduce or remit penalties assessed against vessel owners arising from alleged regulatory violations.

Appealed fine assessed by US Coast Guard to USCG Headquarters in Washington, DC to substantially mitigate a fine for violations of regulatory requirements. 

Defended stevedoring company from claims arising from fire aboard vessel during loading operations, including initiation of discovery action against third parties, prosecution of claims in vessel’s limitation action, and supervising expert investigation to support client’s claims and defenses.

Defended vessel owner against claims by cargo interests concerning vessel grounding that resulted in extensive vessel damage and delay and included claims in general average.

Investigated fire aboard vessel that resulted in loss of the vessel and complete loss of all cargo.

Prosecuted multiple discovery actions on behalf of slot-charterer regarding loss of hundreds of containers during ocean voyage and defended charterer’s interests in subsequent multidistrict litigation arising from the incident.

Defended vessel owner against government investigation into oil spill occurring in port that continued for several days, requiring extensive cleanup and remediation.

Defended vessel owner against charges asserted by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation regarding oil pollution allegedly occurring along inland waterways.

Represented vessel owner regarding cargo fire that caused extensive damage by investigating cause of the loss and litigating dispute in federal court, including appeal to the US Fourth Circuit.