Minerva Bunkering has broadened its legal campaign against Norvic Shipping, extending the dispute beyond a London court victory into new proceedings in Canada and the United States, according to ShippingWatch.
The bunker supplier previously won a case in London over an unpaid bunkering bill. According to ShippingWatch, Minerva is now pursuing Norvic Maritime Holdings through legal action filed in Canada and New York.
New Lawsuit Targets Founder and Wife
ShippingWatch reports that Minerva has also filed a fresh lawsuit in federal court in New York, this time naming Norvic Shipping’s CEO and founder, AJ Rahman, and his wife as defendants. The supplier is seeking to recover payment related to a bunker delivery made to the vessel Alexandris, according to the report.
The expanded legal action follows a pattern of financial and operational difficulties reportedly surrounding Norvic Shipping. ShippingWatch has previously reported that other companies joined forces to file a separate million-dollar claim against Norvic Shipping over unpaid bills, and that the company has been quietly selling assets and closing branches.
Does This Matter to You?
Disputes over unpaid bunker bills and the legal mechanisms suppliers use to recover funds are a recurring feature of the bunkering trade, and this case illustrates how such disputes can escalate across multiple jurisdictions when payment is not resolved quickly.
For those involved in bunker supply, credit risk management, or vessel financing, cases like this highlight the exposure suppliers can face when dealing with counterparties experiencing financial strain. The involvement of company leadership as named defendants, as reported by ShippingWatch, also points to how creditors may pursue individuals connected to a shipping company when corporate assets or structures complicate recovery efforts.
The broader pattern described by ShippingWatch, including asset sales and branch closures at Norvic Shipping, may be relevant context for parties assessing counterparty risk in current market conditions.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: ShippingWatch
