By Raphaël MORENON
15 July 2025
The seizure of bunkers, i.e. the fuel needed to propel a ship or aircraft, is a particularly formidable enforcement measure for a debtor. Seemingly simple, this procedure in fact immobilises a valuable asset and paralyses a commercial operation. It raises complex legal issues, at the crossroads of ordinary seizure law and the very specific regimes of transport law. Understanding its mechanisms is therefore essential both for creditors seeking to recover their debt and for shipowners or airlines wishing to defend themselves against it. The assistance of a lawyer who is an expert in enforcement procedures is often decisive in navigating this technical area. Introduction to the seizure of bunkers and its legal particularities Definition of bunkers and their economic importance Bunkers refer to the fuel reserves (fuel oil, paraffin) stored on board a ship or aircraft to ensure its operation and movement. On the...
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