Bunge Corp. v. Freeport Marine Repair, Inc.

DUBINA, Circuit Judge:

This admiralty action concerns the definition of a “vessel” for purposes of applying burden shifting principles outlined in maritime case law. The appellant Free-port Marine Repair, Inc. (“Freeport”) appeals the district court’s $196,500.00 judg ment against it after a ship owned by Freeport broke free from her moorings and damaged appellee Bunge Corporation’s (“Bunge”) grain loading facility. Bunge cross-appeals seeking a higher damage award. We affirm and remand.

I. FACTS

Freeport manufactured and owned a casino vessel (“Hull No. 40”) that was in the final stages of…