Exploitation and ownership on vessel

The notions of shipowner, exploiter and mere owner are distinct: A shipowner combines mere ownership
and exploitation of the vessel. Where the owner entrusts exploitation to a third party, the latter is
liable towards claims arising from such exploitation. The mere owner is not personally liable for such
claims, however he is jointly liable through the specific vessel and only up to the value of it.
Piraeus Court of Appeal Judgment no 479/ 2015, President: A. Plakidas, Rapporteur Judge: A.
Tsamadia, Attorneys at law: P. Patouliotis, K. Tassiopoulos, Maritime Law Review vol. 43, p. 264.
NOTE: Where the owner entrusts the exploitation of a Greek flag vessel to a third party, relevant declaration
is submitted to the vessel’s registry. If this does not take place there is a (rebuttable) proof the
owner also exploits the vessel.