As we reported in our March 2016 newsletter, numerous cases are pending across the country with competing maritime lien claims by physical fuel suppliers and now-bankrupt O.W. Bunker entities and/or their assignee, ING Bank. In general, purported lienholders are seeking payment for the same fuel supply. In an effort to avoid the risk of double payment, vessel interests in several instances have filed interpleader actions in which they sought to deposit their payment into the registry of the court for the court to decide to whom it is owed. We take this opportunity to update you on two recent rulings affecting this nationwide litigation. Continue reading >