Soprim Construction SARL v The Republic of Djibouti [2026] EWHC 418 (Comm) (27 February 2026)

Soprim Construction SARL v The Republic of Djibouti [2026] EWHC 418 (Comm) (27 February 2026)

DP World Djibouti FZCO is not a 'defendant' for the purposes of CPR 25.26 in these proceedings and therefore is not entitled to seek security for costs against Soprim Construction Sarl. The substance and context of the proceedings show that DPW is an objecting party contesting Soprim's claim but is not the subject of a direct claim for relief by Soprim. The court lacks jurisdiction to order security for costs in favour of DPW under CPR 25.26.

Citation
[2026] EWHC 418 (Comm)
Parties
Claimant and Applicant on CO Application: Soprim Construction Sarl; Defendant and Respondent to CO Application: The Republic of Djibouti; First Objecting Party and Additional Respondent to CO Application: DP World Djibouti FZCO; Second Objecting Party and Additional Respondent to CO Application: Doraleh Container Terminal S. A.
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
27 February 2026
Procedural Posture
Commercial Enforcement and Security for Costs Application / Interlocutory Application for Security for Costs
Outcome
Application for security for costs dismissed for lack of jurisdiction.
Legal Topics
Security for Costs, Enforcement of Arbitral Awards, Beneficial Ownership, Charging Orders, Jurisdiction Under CPR 25.26
Civil Procedure Arbitration Commercial Law Security for Costs Enforcement of Arbitral Awards Beneficial Ownership Charging Orders Jurisdiction Under CPR 25.26

Case Brief

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Parties

Soprim Construction Sarl

Claimant and Applicant on CO Application

The Republic of Djibouti

Defendant and Respondent to CO Application

DP World Djibouti FZCO

First Objecting Party and Additional Respondent to CO Application

Doraleh Container Terminal S. A.

Second Objecting Party and Additional Respondent to CO Application

Procedural Posture

Commercial Enforcement and Security for Costs Application / Interlocutory Application for Security for Costs

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether DP World Djibouti FZCO is a 'defendant' for the purposes of CPR 25.26 and thus entitled to seek security for costs against Soprim Construction Sarl
  2. 2 Whether the court has jurisdiction to order security for costs in favour of DPW in the context of these proceedings
  3. 3 Whether the SCB Monies are beneficially owned by the Republic of Djibouti or Doraleh Container Terminal S.A.

Ratio Decidendi

DP World Djibouti FZCO is not a 'defendant' for the purposes of CPR 25.26 in these proceedings and therefore is not entitled to seek security for costs against Soprim Construction Sarl. The substance and context of the proceedings show that DPW is an objecting party contesting Soprim's claim but is not the subject of a direct claim for relief by Soprim. The court lacks jurisdiction to order security for costs in favour of DPW under CPR 25.26.

Court Disposition

Application for security for costs dismissed for lack of jurisdiction.

Orders

  • DP World Djibouti FZCO's application for security for costs against Soprim Construction Sarl is dismissed.
  • No order for security for costs is made in favour of DP World Djibouti FZCO.