Whether it is a 20-foot Boston Whaler or a massive ZIM cargo ship, contractors performing work on boats and ships may be unaware that they hold a powerful weapon for collecting unpaid bills: the maritime lien. While for a contractor, a maritime lien against a vessel can be thought of as the equivalent to a construction lien against real property, legally, the two are quite distinct. In order to avail themselves of this powerful weapon, contractors should be aware of the nuances unique to maritime liens.
Who can assert a maritime lien?
