Samsung Heavy Industries, Korea, believes that the case for a US$198.3 million compensation claim from the 'Hebei Spirit' oil spill will not be heard.
Samsung is insisting that the claim, which was brought by the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund 1992, and to be heard by a Chinese court, was not relevant as the lawsuit should be determined by the Korean courts in relation to international laws. In a statement to the Korean stock exchange, Samsung said it did not believe the case would be heard, and that under international law its financial exposure was limited.
Samsung was the owner of the crane barge which hit the 'Hebei Spirit' in December 2007, causing the worst ever marine pollution incident in Korea.
