A quick summary: The Bombay High Court just wrapped up a case involving Telford Marine DMCC and Bhambhani Shipping Limited. The drama centered on a ship sale and a hefty arbitration award. Here's how it all went down.
On June 25, 2025, a group of arbitrators decided that Telford Marine should get $11 million plus interest. This decision came after a contract problem with Bhambhani Shipping, involving the ship MV HALANI-6. Things got tense when Telford Marine worried that Bhambhani was trying to sell the ship to avoid paying up.
Bhambhani Shipping said they sold MV HALANI-6 to Delta Maritime on March 21, 2025, to pay off debts to Saraswat Bank. Telford Marine didn't believe them. They argued the sale was fake to get out of paying the arbitration award. The court had to look closely at whether the sale was real.
"The money from the sale was paid directly to Saraswat Bank," argued Bhambhani's lawyer, Mr. Khandeparkar.
Judge Sandeep V. Marne was in charge of the case. On September 19, 2025, the court told Bhambhani to show all their assets and stopped any more ship dealings until things were clearer.
Bhambhani showed papers proving the sale to Delta Maritime, but Telford Marine wasn't convinced. They pointed out inconsistencies, like the ship being sold for less money than it was worth and the timing of payments.
"The ship was valued at $20 million, but sold for just $600,000. Something's suspicious," argued Telford Marine's lawyer, Mr. Pratap.
After months of legal back-and-forth, the court decided that the sale seemed real. The judge noted that the money from the sale went to pay off Saraswat Bank, and there wasn't enough evidence to say the sale was fake.
This case highlights the complexities of international shipping contracts and arbitration. It also underscores the importance of clear documentation and transparency in financial dealings.
