The ownership interests of a US-flagged boxship are moving to throw out two lawsuits from Georgia longshoremen seeking to hold them accountable for Covid-19 exposure.
Hapag-Lloyd's US arm, the 3,237-teu Philadelphia Express' (built 2003) registered owner Philadelphia Express Trust and technical manager Marine Transport Management are arguing neither Lester Gilkes nor Leonard Roberts have a case.
"Lester Gilkes seemingly brought this action because he believes that the Covid-19 test he took, uniquely, creates a legal cause of action," the motion to dismiss reads, referencing the longshoreman's negative Covid-19 test.
