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In one week's time, on Friday 26th August, the next hearing for the winding up of local bunker supplier Searights Maritime Services Pte. Ltd. is due to take place in Singapore.

The winding up petition was filed by Monjasa Pte. Ltd., the Singapore branch of marine fuel supplier Monjasa, last month, and the initial hearing took place on 29th July.

According to the court documents, seen by Platts, Monjasa is seeking "a winding up order be made against the Defendant pursuant to section 254(1)(e) of the Companies Act (Cap 50)," that "the Official Receiver be appointed as the Liquidator of the Defendant," and that "the costs of and incidental to these proceedings be taxed, if not agreed or fixed, and be paid to the Plaintiff out of the assets of the Defendant."

Court records showed that Singapore-headquartered United Overseas Bank had listed itself as a creditor of Searights Maritime Services "for $111,384,597.97 and S$920,084.42 ($684,532.29) [excluding interest accrued up to July 26, 2016]."

Monjasa is being represented by Oon & Bazil LLP partner Kelly Yap Ming Kwang and associate Kelly Toh.

According to his company profile, Yap handles a range of commercial disputes, with a particular focus on international trade and shipping. He acts on behalf of traders in disputes involving quality, shortage and cargo damage claims, and also deals with ship arrests.

United Overseas Bank is being represented by Rajah & Tann Singapore, which has represented the financial institution in other high-profile cases such as Hong Leong Singapore Finance Ltd v United Overseas Bank Ltd and Yongnam Development Pte Ltd & Anor v United Overseas Bank.

According to court documentation last updated on 19th August and seen by Bunker Index, the defendant, Searights Maritime Services Pte. Ltd., is currently listed as 'unrepresented'.

The hearing is due to take place at 10.00 a.m. on Friday 26th August. Judge Choo Han Teck [pictured] will preside over the case.

Image: Judge Choo Han Teck