Official Liquidator possession of abandoned vessel allowed, with applicant bearing taking-over and manning costs.

The application concerned directions for the Official Liquidator to take possession of the vessel MT Polaris, which was described as effectively abandoned despite a subsisting charter. The Official Liquidator did not object to taking possession, but required that the Applicant bear the expenses of taking possession and the costs of manning the vessel after possession. The Applicant accepted that condition, and possession was directed on that basis.

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Issues: Whether the Official Liquidator should be directed to take possession of the vessel/tug MT Polaris, and whether the Applicant should bear the expenses of taking possession and manning the vessel thereafter.

Analysis: The application sought directions for the Official Liquidator to take possession of the vessel, which was stated to be effectively abandoned despite a subsisting charter. The Official Liquidator raised no objection to taking possession, but sought that the expenses for taking possession and for manning the vessel after possession be borne by the Applicant, and the Applicant accepted that condition.

Conclusion: The direction to take possession of MT Polaris was granted, and the Applicant was required to bear the costs of taking possession and subsequent manning of the vessel.

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