Florida Shipping Company Sues Star Food Products Over Breach of Maritime Contract and Improper Dominican Republic Lawsuit
Seaboard Marine Ltd., a foreign corporation with its principal place of business in Miami, Florida, has filed a maritime lawsuit against Star Food Products, Inc. in the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-21191-DPG, alleges that the Florida-based food importer breached a mandatory forum selection clause by initiating legal proceedings in the Dominican Republic for a cargo damage claim that was already time-barred under United States maritime law.
Star Food Products Accused of Violating Mandatory Miami Forum Selection Clause in International Shipping Dispute
According to the legal filing, Seaboard Marine and Star Food Products entered into a service contract on May 15, 2021, which required Star Food to ship a minimum volume of cargo in exchange for preferential freight rates. This agreement, along with the subsequent bill of lading issued for a shipment of frozen lobster tails from Rio Haina, Dominican Republic, to Brooklyn, New York, contained strict jurisdictional requirements. The contract explicitly stated that all disputes arising from the agreement must be brought in a court sitting in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Furthermore, the bill of lading terms designated the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida as the exclusive venue for any litigation, specifically excluding the jurisdiction of any other country.
Logistics Provider Claims Cargo Damage Suit Filed in Dominican Republic Ignores COGSA One Year Statute of Limitations
The conflict stems from a shipment delivered on July 29, 2021, which Star Food Products claimed was damaged. While Seaboard Marine offered a settlement in 2022 based on the commercial invoice value of the cargo, Star Food did not accept the offer or file a lawsuit within the one-year limitation period required by the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act and the terms of the bill of lading. Despite the expiration of this legal window, Star Food allegedly bypassed the agreed-upon Florida forum and filed suit in the Dominican Republic. Seaboard Marine asserts that this move was a bad faith attempt to circumvent U.S. law and the contractual time limits that had already extinguished the importer’s right to seek damages.
Seaboard Marine Seeks Injunction to Stop Enforcement of Million Dollar Dominican Republic Judgment
The complaint highlights a significant legal escalation where Star Food Products obtained a judgment in the Dominican Republic on February 17, 2025. This foreign judgment includes relief not typically permitted under U.S. maritime law, such as over 1.4 million dollars for damages arising from the loss of cargo, monthly interest of 1.5 percent, and daily penalties for non-payment. Seaboard Marine argues that this judgment was wrongfully obtained and is now causing significant business interruption and threats of asset seizure. The shipping line is asking the Florida federal court to issue a permanent injunction to prevent Star Food from enforcing the Dominican judgment against Seaboard or its various vendors and clients.
Federal Lawsuit Demands Declaratory Relief and Damages for Bad Faith Breach of Maritime Service Agreement
In its four-count complaint, Seaboard Marine brings claims for breach of contract, declaratory relief, an injunction, and bad faith. The company is seeking a judicial declaration that the Miami forum selection clause is valid and that Star Food’s claims were time-barred before the Dominican Republic lawsuit ever began. Additionally, the plaintiff is seeking recovery of all attorney fees and costs incurred in both the international and domestic legal proceedings. Seaboard Marine emphasizes that the entire relationship between the parties is centered in the United States, as both companies have principal places of business in Florida and the cargo was imported for American commerce.
Contact an Experienced Maritime Contract and Cargo Dispute Lawyer to Protect Your Global Shipping Interests
Companies involved in international trade must navigate complex jurisdictional issues and strict contractual deadlines. When a party ignores a mandatory forum selection clause or attempts to litigate time-barred claims in foreign jurisdictions, it can result in significant financial exposure and business disruption. If your organization is facing a breach of a maritime service agreement or needs to enforce the terms of an international bill of lading, it is essential to consult with qualified legal counsel. Our team understands the nuances of maritime law and is prepared to help you safeguard your assets and uphold your contractual rights in federal court.
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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.
