Operator of US jet fuel tanker brings UK lawsuit over collision

by Reuters Mar 31, 2025

The manager of a U.S. military-contracted tanker that was struck by a cargo ship off England's northeast coast last month filed a lawsuit at London's High Court on Monday over the collision.

Stena Bulk Marine Services (USA) LLC and Crowley-Stena Marine Solutions LLC filed a lawsuit against MS Solong Schiffahrtsgesellschaft M & Co KG, a subsidiary of Portuguese-flagged container ship Solong owner Ernst Russ, according to court records.

The Solong crashed at close to full speed on March 10 into the Stena Immaculate, an anchored tanker operated by Crowley that was carrying jet fuel.

Salvage workers examine the container ship Solong, damaged as a result of colliding with the anchored Stena Immaculate oil tanker ship after it was towed into the port of Aberdeen, Scotland, Britain, March 28, 2025. REUTERS/Phil Noble

The case was filed at the specialist Admiralty Court over the collision.

Crowley and Ernst Russ did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

MS Solong Schiffahrtsgesellschaft M & Co KG brought a separate case at the Admiralty Court last week, seeking a "limitation of liability," according to court records.

That case is being brought against Dutch logistics firm Samskip, which reportedly owned the cargo on board the Solong, and "all other persons claiming or being entitled to claim loss or damage" over the collision.

A member of the Solong's crew is still missing and presumed dead. Vladimir Motin, the Solong's captain, has been charged with manslaughter by gross negligence.