Transport Transactions

Transactions related to sea and air transportation, including the building, sale, purchase, rent, utilization, repair or maintenance of ships and planes, shall be deemed as commercial transactions.

The facts

The plaintiff filed a suit against the defendant before Dubai Court of First Instance seeking a judgment to terminate the charter parties in relation to two vessels on the grounds that:

• The lease period had expired;
• The defendant had caused damage to the vessels; and
• That the defendant had failed to pay the rent due on the vessels.

The plaintiff also requested the Court to appoint a maritime expert in order to determine the amount of damages as well as the overdue rent. The plaintiff requested interest of 9% per annum on top of any judgment sum.