V Ships Limited v [2025] EWHC 3329 (Comm) (17 December 2025)

V Ships Limited v [2025] EWHC 3329 (Comm) (17 December 2025)

Luna Management Corporation is guilty of contempt for knowingly disobeying the anti-suit injunction by continuing the Greek proceedings, and Lambros Stravelakis is also guilty as the de facto and real controller of Luna at all material times. The evidence established beyond reasonable doubt that Lambros directed Luna's actions, and his refusal to submit to cross-examination supported the adverse inference against him. The application for adjournment was refused as the death of Stefanos was irrelevant to the fairness or urgency of the hearing.

Citation
[2025] EWHC 3329 (Comm)
Parties
Claimant: V Ships Limited; First Defendant: Luna Management Corporation; Second Defendant: Lambros Stravelakis; Third Defendant (deceased): Stefanos Stravelakis
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
17 December 2025
Procedural Posture
Contempt Application (commercial Court) / Judgment Following Final Hearing on Contempt Applications
Outcome
Both Luna Management Corporation and Lambros Stravelakis found guilty of contempt of court. Sentencing adjourned.
Legal Topics
Contempt of Court, Anti Suit Injunctions, Enforcement of Arbitral Awards, Jurisdiction, Corporate Control and Responsibility
Commercial Law Civil Procedure Arbitration Contempt of Court Anti Suit Injunctions Enforcement of Arbitral Awards Jurisdiction Corporate Control and Responsibility

Case Brief

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Parties

V Ships Limited

Claimant

Luna Management Corporation

First Defendant

Lambros Stravelakis

Second Defendant

Stefanos Stravelakis

Third Defendant (deceased)

Procedural Posture

Contempt Application (commercial Court) / Judgment Following Final Hearing on Contempt Applications

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether Luna Management Corporation is in contempt of court for disobeying an anti-suit injunction
  2. 2 Whether Lambros Stravelakis is personally in contempt as the directing mind of Luna
  3. 3 Whether the proceedings should be adjourned due to the death of Stefanos Stravelakis

Ratio Decidendi

Luna Management Corporation is guilty of contempt for knowingly disobeying the anti-suit injunction by continuing the Greek proceedings, and Lambros Stravelakis is also guilty as the de facto and real controller of Luna at all material times. The evidence established beyond reasonable doubt that Lambros directed Luna's actions, and his refusal to submit to cross-examination supported the adverse inference against him. The application for adjournment was refused as the death of Stefanos was irrelevant to the fairness or urgency of the hearing.

Court Disposition

Both Luna Management Corporation and Lambros Stravelakis found guilty of contempt of court. Sentencing adjourned.

Orders

  • Personal service of the anti-suit injunction and contempt application dispensed with as service was effective by alternative methods.
  • Sentencing hearing to be listed for two hours in the second half of next term.