Exoneration from Liability versus Saving to Suitors
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that a vessel owner filing a federal action for exoneration from or limitation of liability cannot prevent a state court action from going forward if the state claimant stipulates that: (1) federal jurisdiction controls limitation of liability; (2) he waives any claim of res judicata regarding a state court decision relating to limitation of liability; and (3) he would not seek any judgment or recovery in excess of the limitation fund. The vessel owner contended that, since the Limitation of Liability Act also addresses exoneration from liability, its action prevailed over any state court action regarding liability.
PetroCom Launches VSAT System
PetroCom’s new Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) satellite communication system is structured around private communication networks. Built with the newest technologies and equipment, this system is designed to offer the ability to turn bandwidth on and off, re-allocate bandwidth or schedule increased bandwidth as business needs change. Recently, PetroCom signed agreements to provide VSAT voice and data services for Onyx Special Services, Superior Offshore International and Tetra Applied Technologies. Last month, Helix Energy Solutions tapped PetroCom to provide VSAT services for its offshore fleet. Multiplex VSAT communication networks with speeds from 64 to 512K are available for fixed and stabilized applications.
