A ship can be arrested in ports of Republic of Latvia only if maritime claim in Latvia is raised against the vessel. This brief ship arrest guide in Latvia will give you insight on the requirements and possibilities to arrest a ship in Latvian port.

In this article Baraccuda Maritime & Shipping Legal Services maritime lawyers in Latvia will explain the procedure of ship arrest in Latvian ports. 

Since 7th December 2001, Latvia is a party to the International Convention on Ship Arrests 1999 which is the primary international legal document under which Latvia has drafted its' maritime laws. However, there are a particular and very specific elements to the Latvian maritime legislation, which must be taken into consideration when arresting a vessel in Latvian ports. 

A ship can be arrested in ports of Republic of Latvia only if maritime claim in Latvia is raised against the vessel. For example, if the operations of the vessel have caused damages, there has been a loss of life or personal injury, whether on land or on water, which is directly connected with the operations of the vessel, there's an outstanding debts for salvage operations, damage or threat has been caused to the environment or coastline, the vessel has outstanding debts removal, recovery, of the vessel or expenses relating to the preservation of the vessel or crew, there's a claim from the operation contract of the vessel, towage, pilotage, costs for port services, or any other debts of the vessel which are entailed in maritime claims.

A ship in Latvia is arrested subject to a maritime claim brought against a particular vessel in civil procedure to secure a maritime claim. Once a claim for ship arrest is filed in Latvia, the court will decide on the subject matter of the claim (on merits) whether such claim can be satisfied when adjudication will take place. 

It is also possible to arrest a ship in Latvia before claim on merits is filed, which is the fastest way to arrest a vessel and prevent it from leaving Latvian ports.

Specific requirements to arrest ship in Latvia:

- person who owns the ship at the time when the maritime claim arise is liable for the claim and is the shipowner at the time of arrest of the ship;

- person who has been a bare-boat charterer of the vessel at the time when maritime claim arose is liable for claim and is the bare-boat charterer at the time when claim of arrest is filed;

- the maritime claim arises from a mortgage or similar types of encumbrances placed on the vessel;

- the claim is in relation to the ownership or possession rights in a ship;

- the claim is directed against the shipowner, bare-boat charterer or ship's operator and this claim is secured by a maritime lien. 

Should a necessity for ship arrest arises, do not hesitate to contact Baraccuda maritime lawyers in Latvia - info@baraccuda.eu, +35799781850

In the next article, Baraccuda maritime lawyers in Latvia will explore the possibilities to release of ship arrest from Latvian ports - stay tuned!