A. Introduction
Cyprus is not itself a party to the International Convention
Relating to the Arrest of Sea-Going Ships 1952; however, the
Administration of Justice Act of 1956 (AJA)1, which
ratifies the Convention, applies to Cyprus2. Under
Cypriot law, maritime liens enjoy advantages over all other
permitted actions in rem (statutory liens), at
the time of creation of the lien, in priority and in the
enforceability of the security. In addition, statutory liens have
no priority over mortgages.3 The significance of a
maritime lien is that it enables the Court or its appointees to
arrest and seize the vessel in satisfaction of the claims against
her. Cyprus courts follow the English case The Bold
Buccleugh4, which recognises as maritime liens
salvage, bottomry, master and seafarers' wages, disbursements
and liabilities, and damage done by a vessel. The arrest of a ship
is only possible in the case of an action in
rem (however, the possibility of securing
a Mareva i
