Monford Management Limited (The Owners of the Vessel “KIVELI”) (Appellant) v Afina Navigation Limited (The Owners of the Vessel “AFINA I”) (Respondent)
Tuesday 10 February 2026
By Appellant’s Notice filed on 6 June 2025 the Appellant, Monford Management Ltd, appeals the decision of the High Court delivered on 16 May 2025 following trial.
On 13 March 2021, the bulk carriers KIVELI and AFINA I collided off the south coast of Greece. KIVELI turned to port while AFINA I turned to starboard. KIVELI’s bow embedded in AFINA I’s cargo hold, causing significant flooding. No casualties occurred. Both parties brought claims against each other, and the court was asked to determine liability.
The court considered three central issues: whether the encounter was head‑on or crossing, whether either vessel breached the International Collision Regulations (COLREGs), and how liability should be apportioned. It held that from 05:39 the vessels were on nearly reciprocal courses, making this a head‑on situation to which Rule 14 applied, requiring both to turn to starboard.
KIVELI was found to have caused the collision through multiple failures. It breached numerous COLREGs, including Rules 2, 5, 7, 8, 14, 17, 34, and 36.
AFINA I’s conduct was largely appropriate: it turned to starboard, but too late, amounting to a breach of Rule 8.
The court concluded that KIVELI’s navigational errors were the primary cause of the collision and apportioned liability at 80% to KIVELI and 20% to AFINA I.