Marine Solutions Inc. Seeks Emergency Arrest of M/Y Grandeur Over Unpaid Maritime Lien
Case Name: Marine Solutions Inc. v. M/Y Grandeur
Case Number: 0:25-cv-60752-WPD
Jurisdiction: United States District Court, Southern District of Florida
Filing Date: April 18, 2025
Parties Involved:
- Plaintiff: Marine Solutions Incorporated, a Florida-based marine service provider
- Defendant (In Rem): M/Y Grandeur, a 1997 120-foot Danube Motor Yacht, MMSI No. 339773000
Case Highlights Critical Use of In Rem Jurisdiction in Admiralty Claims
Allegations & Relief Sought:
Marine Solutions seeks to enforce a maritime lien under 46 U.S.C. § 31342 for unpaid labor and materials valued at $17,286.60. These services included repairs to hydraulic and water systems, allegedly ordered by the vessel’s owner or captain between June 18 and July 8, 2024. The plaintiff requests the court to issue an arrest warrant for the vessel, foreclose the lien, and allow sale of the yacht to satisfy the debt.
Legal Analysis & Implications
Emergency Nature of the Claim
The plaintiff filed under Rule C of the Supplemental Admiralty Rules, invoking in rem jurisdiction over the vessel. The urgency stems from the vessel’s impending relocation from the Southern District of Florida, which could deprive the court of jurisdiction. This highlights the importance of preserving quasi in rem claims by securing the vessel before it leaves the district.
Maritime Lien for Necessaries
Under 46 U.S.C. § 31342, suppliers of “necessaries”—defined as goods or services useful to the vessel—have a statutory right to a maritime lien. Marine Solutions asserts the repairs were necessary, authorized, and beneficial to the vessel’s operability, meeting the threshold for enforcement.
Potential Defense Strategies
The yacht’s owner may challenge:
- Authorization of the services
- Reasonableness of the invoice
- Lien priority, if other creditors are involved
However, admiralty courts generally uphold liens when the vessel benefited from the services and payment was unjustifiably withheld.
Trend & Policy Analysis
This case reflects a growing number of emergency maritime lien actions in South Florida—home to one of the busiest yacht repair and charter hubs in the nation. Service providers are increasingly filing emergency motions to secure jurisdiction before vessels relocate or depart U.S. waters.
Recent admiralty decisions, such as Yachtworks Inc. v. M/Y Whitewater, have demonstrated courts’ willingness to issue arrest warrants quickly, reinforcing the principle that the vessel itself can be held liable for debts incurred.
If the court grants the arrest and sale, it may serve as a warning to yacht owners and operators: repair obligations under maritime law are strictly enforced, and liens travel with the vessel.
Contact Us Today
If you are a marine service provider, vessel owner, or maritime attorney facing a dispute over unpaid services or lien enforcement, it is critical to act promptly and within the jurisdictional timeframes set by admiralty law.
To explore your legal options or seek enforcement or defense of a maritime lien, consult an experienced maritime attorney today. A timely legal strategy can protect your interests before the vessel sails beyond reach.
