American Home Assurance Co. v. TGL Container Lines, Ltd.

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER Re: Hanjin’s Motion to Dismiss Third-Party Complaint; Trans Global’s Motion for Summary Judgment; Trans Global’s Motion for Leave to Amend Answer and Third-Party Complaint

Plaintiffs American Home Assurance Co. and AIU Co. filed this action in admiralty seeking to recover damages allegedly caused by a fire aboard the vessel M/V Hanjin Pennsylvania (“the Pennsylvania”). Defendants TGL Container Lines, Ltd. (“TGL”) and Trans Global Logistics(s) Pte Ltd. (“TGX”) (collectively “Trans Global”) denied liability and filed a third-party complaint impleading the Pennsylvania and Hanjin Shipping Co. (“Hanjin”). Now before the court is Hanjin’s motion to dismiss Trans Global’s third-party complaint for improper venue pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(3). Having considered the arguments presented and for the reasons stated below, the court enters the following memorandum and order.

BACKGROUND

This action seeks to establish liability for the loss of goods at sea during a fire that occurred aboard the defendant vessel. Plaintiffs American Home Assurance Co. and AIU Co. are subrogated insurers of three shipments of goods that were aboard the Pennsylvania…