Delaware Fuel Supplier Sues Shipping Companies and Manager After Under-Delivery and Resale of Marine Fuel in Colombia
Lindsay-Blee Americas, LLC, a Delaware company with its principal address in Florida, has filed a maritime lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against Alquimia Energy LLC, Seanergy LLC, and Jose Orlando Bermudez. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-25885-RKA, alleges breach of maritime contract and unjust enrichment involving fuel delivery shortages and the unauthorized resale of marine fuel at the port of Cartagena, Colombia.
Marine Fuel Supplier Alleges Major Shortages and Breach of Maritime Contract in Cartagena Bunkering Operations
According to the complaint, Lindsay-Blee Americas arranged for Seanergy LLC to provide marine fuel, known as bunkers, to several ocean vessels calling at Cartagena between August and December 2024. The plaintiff specified exact quantities of very low sulfur fuel oil to be delivered to these vessels. However, the complaint alleges that the physical suppliers selected by Seanergy failed to deliver the significant quantities of fuel that the plaintiff had already ordered and paid for. Despite the plaintiff billing Seanergy for these fuel shortages across ten specific wire transfers, the defendant has reportedly failed or refused to reimburse the overpaid amounts. The total amount demanded from Seanergy for these specific fuel delivery failures exceeds five hundred thousand dollars.
Hapag-Lloyd Vessel Mindoro Required De-Bunkering After Delivery of Off-Spec Fuel Under Alquimia Contract
The legal dispute extends to a second company, Alquimia Energy LLC, following an incident involving the vessel M/V Mindoro. The complaint states that after fuel was provided to the vessel, the operator, Hapag-Lloyd, determined in December 2024 that the bunkers were unsuitable or off-spec and required immediate removal. Lindsay-Blee Americas subsequently contracted with Alquimia to perform the de-bunkering process. While Alquimia invoiced the plaintiff for this service, the lawsuit alleges that Alquimia received and resold the removed fuel but refused to remit the proceeds back to the plaintiff. This refusal to pay for the resold marine fuel forms the basis for the breach of contract and unjust enrichment claims against Alquimia.
Lawsuit Names Jose Orlando Bermudez as Alter Ego for Florida LLCs in Maritime Fraud Allegations
In a significant legal move, the plaintiff has also named Jose Orlando Bermudez personally as a defendant in the case. The complaint alleges that Bermudez manages and controls both Alquimia and Seanergy, operating them as his alter egos and using their bank accounts interchangeably. The lawsuit further claims that Bermudez personally pocketed the proceeds from the fuel removed from the M/V Mindoro through Alquimia. Additionally, the plaintiff alleges that Seanergy no longer maintains an active website or business operations, suggesting that Bermudez looted the company and caused it to become insolvent after receiving the substantial payments for fuel deliveries that were never completed. Consequently, the plaintiff seeks to hold Bermudez personally liable for the debts of both companies.
Plaintiff Seeks Substantial Damages for Unjust Enrichment and Lost Revenue in South Florida Federal Court
The complaint includes six counts covering breach of maritime contract and unjust enrichment against all three defendants. Lindsay-Blee Americas asserts that it has been significantly damaged by the failure to deliver fuel and the subsequent unauthorized resale of off-spec bunkers. The plaintiff is asking the court for a judgment against Seanergy and Bermudez for at least five hundred seventy-eight thousand dollars, and a judgment against Alquimia for at least three hundred seventy thousand dollars. Beyond the principal amounts, the plaintiff is also seeking an award for pre-judgment interest on the outstanding debts and the recovery of costs related to the legal proceedings in the Southern District of Florida.
Contact a Maritime Contract Lawyer Today if You Are Facing Marine Fuel Disputes or Bunkering Shortages
Companies involved in the maritime industry that experience fuel delivery shortages, off-spec fuel issues, or breach of maritime contracts require experienced legal representation to protect their commercial interests. When suppliers or intermediaries fail to honor their contractual obligations or engage in the unauthorized resale of maritime assets, federal admiralty law provides specific pathways for recovery. If your business has suffered financial losses due to bunkering disputes or corporate alter ego issues in the shipping industry, our team is available to help you navigate these complex legal challenges.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall attorney.
Disclaimer: Our firm does not represent the plaintiff in this case and is not involved in the litigation. The information provided is a summary of allegations based on publicly available court filings. We make no representations about the truth of these allegations, are not commenting on the merits of the case, and are not predicting any outcome.
