Perseveranza di Navaigazione is seeking $1.2m from Kentucky tugboat owner Marquette Transportation for allegedly running a barge into one of the Italian owner's medium-range-two tankers.

The 50,800-dwt Miss Benedetta (built 2012) was travelling inbound in the Houston Ship Channel on 13 August toward the Magellan Terminal to load cargo, according to the lawsuit.

Marquette Gulf Inland's 2,000-bhp tugboat St Thomas (built 2010) was travelling outbound as it pushed two barges out of the channel.