In a recent decision, the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit denied a group of tug owners' attempt to extend the reach of the Commercial Instruments and Maritime Lien Act (CIMLA) in the context of a "necessaries" lien claim. The Fifth Circuit, applying the language of CIMLA stricti juris, reasoned that the services rendered were not necessary for the operation and function of the vessel; therefore, attaching a lien to the vessel would "dilut[e] the incentive to suppliers to the detriment of CIMLA's core mission." Continue reading >