Database

The immunities of States and international organisations

This database contains the original national contributions bringing together information on The immunities of States and international organisations

Information on the contribution

Member State
Netherlands
Themes
Type of document
Jurisprudence
Permanent link to the contribution
http://www.cahdidatabases.coe.int/C/Immunities/Netherlands/1999/201
Attachments
Translations
THIS DOCUMENT CAN BE QUOTED AS FOLLOWS:
Database of the CAHDI "The immunities of States and international organisations" - contribution of Netherlands - Jurisprudence of 12/11/1999

The United States of America v. Havenschap Delfzijl/Eemshaven (Delfzijl/ Eemshaven Port Authority)

Author(ity)

Supreme Court

Date of the decision, of the judgment

12/11/1999

Points of law

As international law stands at present, foreign States are not subject to the jurisdiction of the Dutch courts in respect of claims arising in the Netherlands as the result of the operation of ships which belong to or are operated by them and which are used in the performance of a typical government function (such as military action). The nature of the act or event giving rise to the claim is not of importance in this connection.

Summary of the case

In November and December 1990 the seagoing motor vessel Cape May, which sailed under the flag of the United States, berthed in the Dutch port of Eemshaven. The ship was owned by the United States. The berthing had taken place on conditions contained in a document drawn up by the Port Authority, which had been signed in confirmation of the agreement of the United States by Mijne and Barends B.V. for or on behalf of OMI Corporation in New York. While the ship was berthed a number of boiler tubes fell overboard during loading. The Port Authority was involved in the salvage of these tubes and incurred costs in this connection. Subsequently the Cape May broke from its moorings on a number of occasions and drifted away. It collided with quayside walls belonging to the Port Authority and caused damage. The Port Authority sued the United States claiming compensation for the items of damage. The United States claimed that the Dutch Courts lacked jurisdiction.

Sources

NJ 2001, 567.

English summary: NYIL 2001

Additional information (explanations, notes, etc.)

A similar decision of the Supreme Court ‘The United States of America, Department of the Navy, Military Sealift Command v. P.C. van der Linden’ is published in NJ 2001, 568.