Arrested Ship Set Free To Sail

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  • The debut ship for Tradewind Voyages has been arrested in Dover, England on July 15.
  • It has been arrested at the request of small-ship sailing line Star Clippers.
  • The vessel has then been released from her arrest and is on her way to Torquay.

The debut ship for Tradewind Voyages has been arrested in Dover, England at the request of small-ship sailing line Star Clippers has now been released from her arrest and is on her way to Torquay, reports sources from Cruise Critic and Cruise Industry News.

Vessel Arrest

Golden Horizon — which had just completed a short preview cruise and was due to set out on its maiden voyage on Monday — has been the subject of much wrangling between new upstart Tradewind and Star Clippers, which initially ordered the vessel.

“Earlier today, the English authorities have, upon instruction of Star Clippers…arrested the vessel Golden Horizon,” Star Clippers confirmed to Cruise Critic in an emailed statement.

Brodosplit’s Damage Cost

Originally to be built as Flying Clipper by Croatia’s Brodosplit shipyard, Golden Horizon was made a part of newly-formed Tradewind Voyages after negotiations between Brodosplit and Star Clippers faltered. The latter has been trying to get the sailing ship built since 2017, but its construction was beset by delays and technical issues.

Brodosplit 483 — the technical shipyard name for the vessel — is being held in Dover over damages awarded to Star Clippers founder Mikael Kraft, to the tune of 13 million euros. Brodosplit Group will reportedly need to pay seven million euros to have the ship released.

Star Clippers’ Utterance

“Despite several payment demands, Croatian shipyard Brodosplit refused to voluntarily discharge its financial obligations to Star Clippers, which made an arrest unavoidable,” Star Clippers told Cruise Critic. “Star Clippers have advised Brodosplit Group that upon proper payment of the debt owed to Star Clippers the vessel will be released from arrest immediately.”

Tradewind’s Reaction

For its part, Tradewind says nothing has changed, telling UK journalist Dave Monk late Thursday that Golden Horizon’s voyages will continue as scheduled. The ship is due to sail Friday on a weekend cruise in advance of its Monday maiden voyage.

Vessel Release

The Golden Horizon, a sail ship operating for Tradewind Voyages, been released from her arrest and is on her way to Torquay. This was reported to Cruise Industry News by Tradewind Voyages and the Golden Horizon’s shipbuilder, Brodosplit.

Release Confirm Statement

“We wish to thank you for your interest in our beautiful ship, the Golden Horizon, and confirm that we have continued our voyage from Dover today,” a statement from Tradewind and Brododplit read. “The schedule will continue, as planned.”

The Joint Statement

The statement also read:

“In July 2019, Brodosplit Shipyard first offered a “buyers supply” payment, followed by several offers more, but each time it was declined. Finally, on the 14 July 2021, at the request of the ship owner, the Courts allowed the establishment of a Court Deposit to pay “buyers supply” after the mortgage was taken out. This meant that a mortgage ceased to exist (the reported proceedings commenced a day after the opening of a Court Deposit). The payment was offered voluntarily, as evidenced by the opening of a Court Deposit.”

Tradewind and Brodosplit said that they were “pleased” that that “the UK authorities are not only efficient but also expeditious and professional and they completed the process quickly.”

“Therefore, we are delighted to be able to inform you that the Golden Horizon has continued its voyage today and will be able to sail free of mortgages, across all the planned seas of the world, wherever it is carried by the ‘trade winds’,” the joint statement read.

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Source : Cruise Industry News & Cruise Critic