PGS Geophysical has appealed the recent ruling dismissing PGS’ EUR 9 million claim against GC Rieber Shipping ASA’s subsidiary Armada Seismic Invest II AS.
PGS’ claim, related to the delivery of the Polar Duchess vessel, had been dismissed by the Gulating Court of Appeal in Bergen. However, GC Rieber Shipping on Tuesday said “the decision has now been appealed by the claimant, PGS.”
The issue started back in In June 2012, when Arrow Seismic Invest II, now PGS Geophysical (UK) Limited, alleged that GC Rieber Shipping’s subsidiary, Armada Seismic Invest II, acted negligently when the company took delivery of the seismic vessel Polar Duchess and claimed 9 million euros in damages.
The vessel was built by the Factorias Vulcano shipyard in Spain and delivered in October 2011.
After various delays due to procedural issues, the claim against Armada was dismissed by the Bergen District Court in March 2016 and Armada was awarded full legal fees in the amount of NOK 3.4 million ($425,900). PGS then in April of the same year appealed the court’s decision. Then, on April 30, the Gulating Court of Appeal in Bergen dismissed the PGS claim, awarding Armada full legal fees in the amount of NOK 3.4 million.
Responding to the new PGS appeal on Tuesday, GC Rieber said: “Armada maintains its view that the claim is unfounded, which was also confirmed by Bergen District Court in the first instance and Gulating Court of Appeal in Bergen in the second instance. Armada will continue to defend itself against the claim before the Supreme Court.
Offshore Energy Today Staff