ANK Successfully Defends Freight Forwarder in High-Stakes Dispute with Client

ANK has successfully resolved a high-stakes commercial dispute in favor of its Client, a freight forwarding company, in a complex case involving a leading Ukrainian agriholding. The case centered on unpaid charges incurred during the organization of an international cargo shipment from Ukraine to Saudi Arabia.

The dispute arose when the customer failed to pay the shipping line’s invoices related to demurrage and storage fees at the Port of Jeddah, totaling over USD 169,000. Complications escalated after the cargo, having exceeded local storage deadlines, was declared abandoned and auctioned off by Saudi customs authorities—triggering additional disputes between the consignee and Shipper.

Despite extended negotiations, the forwarder received no reimbursement for the expenses it had to bear. Facing mounting risks and financial consequences, the client, represented by ANK, initiated court proceedings.

Following the commencement of court proceedings and the imposition of the arrest on the defendant’s bank accounts, the parties returned to the negotiating table. The renewed dialogue led to a settlement agreement, resulting in the reimbursement of over UAH 7 million to ANK’s client.

Once again, ANK Law Firm proves its status as a trusted legal advisor in maritime and transport law, safeguarding business interests in the most challenging international legal relations.

ANK team on this case was led by the attorneys of the maritime law practice Artem Volkov and Kostiantyn Moriakov under the general supervision of Managing Partner, attorney-at-law Oleksandr Kyfak