A Texas maritime repair services company is suing a Nigerian company and one of its vessels, alleging breach of contract.
Beacon Maritime, based in Orange, filed a lawsuit July 7 in the Beaumont Division of the Eastern District of Texas against Better Gold Enterprises and Prof: The Ocean Chief, alleging breach of contract.
On Dec. 13, 2010, the complaint states, Beacon and Better Gold entered into a master service agreement in which Beacon agreed to provide shipyard services to Better Gold, which would pay for the work performed based on conditions stipulated in work authorizations with interest of 0.5 percent per annum.
Better Gold executed several work authorizations for work to be performed on the Prof: The Ocean Chief, the suit says, and Better Gold was to pay Beacon a docking fee and other related expenses for docking the vessel in Beacon's yard.
Beacon has issued invoices in the amount of approximately $365,000 for work on the vessel and for docking fees and related expenses but the complaint alleges Better Gold has not paid the outstanding balance or any portion of it, despite repeated demands by the plaintiff, which continues to incur docking fees at a rate of approximately $1,000 per day plus $10,000 per month for shore power and security.
Beacon also obtained insurance and paid those premiums, totaling $85,000, on Better Gold's behalf pursuant to the Master Agreement, but Better Gold has failed to reimburse Beacon, the suit says.
Beacon Maritime seeks approximately $450,500, plus docking fees and related expenses and interest, as well as attorney fees and court costs. It is represented by attorneys David S. Bland and Robert P. Vining of Bland & Partners in Houston.
Beaumont Division of the Eastern District of Texas case number 1:15-cv-00269-MAC.