| Abstract | Under Admiralty law, courts in Hong Kong have extensive powers to investigate the beneficial ownership of a vessel. This can be particularly important where an action is brought "in rem" against a vessel herself. The ship may be the only real asset of the shipowning company. A maritime claim can be made and jurisdiction established when the ship against which the claim is made calls at Hong Kong. The vessel is often arrested and detained until security is given for the claim. This secutrity replaces the ship as the asset against which the claim will be enforced in due course. It gives a claimant considerable comfort to konw that if his claim is proved, it will be paid. |
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