Argentum Exploration Ltd v The Silver

Subject Matter

INTERNATIONAL LAW — State immunity — Statutory exception — Ship sinking while carrying cargo belonging to foreign government — Claimant salvaging cargo and bringing action in rem against cargo seeking salvage reward — Whether government immune as respects such action — Whether statutory exception to immunity applying by reason of cargo and ship being “in use … for commercial purposes” when cause of action arising — State Immunity Act 1978 (c 33), s 10(4)(a)

[2020] EWHC 3434 (Admlty); [2021] QB 585; [2021] 2 WLR 613; [2021] 2 All ER (Comm) 1397; [2021] 2 Lloyd's Rep 1; [2021] WLR(D) 24, QBD

INTERNATIONAL LAW — State immunity — Statutory exception — Ship sinking while carrying cargo belonging to foreign government — Claimant salvaging cargo and bringing action in rem against cargo seeking salvage reward — Whether government immune as respects such action — Whether statutory exception to immunity applying by reason of cargo and ship being “in use … for commercial purposes” when cause of action arising — Whether Receiver of Wreck having power to determine salvage “due” — State Immunity Act 1978 (c 33), s 10(4)(a) — Merchant Shipping Act 1995 (c 21), ss 226, 239

[2022] EWCA Civ 1318; [2023] KB 195; [2023] 2 WLR 209; [2023] 1 All ER (Comm) 879; [2023] 1 Lloyd's Rep 405; [2022] WLR(D) 395, CA

INTERNATIONAL LAW — State immunity — Statutory exception — Ship sinking while carrying cargo belonging to foreign state — Claimant salvaging cargo and bringing action in rem against cargo seeking salvage reward — Whether foreign state immune as respects such action — Whether statutory exception to immunity applying by reason of cargo and ship being “in use or intended for use for commercial purposes” when cause of action arising — State Immunity Act 1978 (c 33), s 10(4)(a)

[2024] UKSC 16; [2025] AC 555; [2024] 2 WLR 1259; [2024] 4 All ER 353; [2024] 2 All ER (Comm) 931, SC(E)

Appellate History