Questions

When can the port arrest a ship?

Ports can arrest ships according to the rules in chapter 4 of the Danish Maritime Act. Detention under the Danish Maritime Act is for the purpose of detaining the ship to secure the maritime law requirements listed in section 91(1) of the Danish Maritime Act. This includes, among other things, port dues and materials and services supplied for the operation or maintenance of the ship.

To the extent that the claim is secured by a maritime lien on the ship, e.g. port dues, there is no requirement that the debtor must be the owner of the ship for the arrest to be permitted. Arrest means physical detention of the ship.

Arrest must be initiated by the port's lawyer, who submits an application to the bailiff.