The Port of New Orleans filed a federal lawsuit Friday seeking more than $1 million in damages after an Atlantic Asphalt tanker collided with the American Heritage cruise ship docked at the Thalia Street Terminal on the Mississippi River [1]. The collision occurred around 12:30 p.m. Friday near the Crescent City Connection bridge, with the tanker allegedly losing steering control before striking the cruise ship, causing it to capsize and partially sink [1]. The lawsuit names the Atlantic Asphalt tanker, its owner Nave Shipping SA, and its management company Thome Ship Management Pte Ltd., accusing them of negligence and failing to take adequate precautions to avoid the collision [1].
Chief U.S. District Judge Wendy Vitter granted the port's emergency request Friday, authorizing the tanker's seizure after finding that circumstances warranted the vessel's prompt arrest [1]. The port is seeking compensation for physical damage to the terminal, cleanup and repairs, potential business interruption, and lost revenue [1]. The port is also pursuing the tanker's potential sale to satisfy its financial claims, though no sale has been ordered [1].
The incident resulted in 32 people being taken to hospitals, but no fatalities or critical injuries were reported [1]. In a statement Saturday, OSM Thome indicated the tanker was stable at anchor and that the company was cooperating with authorities investigating the collision [1].
CONCLUSION
The Port of New Orleans' $1M+ lawsuit against the Atlantic Asphalt tanker and its operators represents a significant maritime liability claim following the Friday collision that damaged port infrastructure and the American Heritage cruise ship. The federal court's authorization of the vessel's seizure underscores the severity of the incident and the port's determination to recover damages through asset attachment and potential vessel sale.