Maritime Lien
A Maritime Lien is a special, privileged claim that attaches to a ship (and sometimes cargo or freight) itself, rather than merely to its owner. Its distinctive feature is that it “follows the ship” — it stays attached to the vessel even if the ship is sold to a new, innocent owner — and it typically ranks ahead of other claims, including mortgages, in priority.
Only certain claims give rise to a maritime lien, generally the most important and protected: crew wages, salvage, damage done by the ship (collision), and (in some jurisdictions) master's disbursements and other claims. The lien is enforced by arresting the ship and, ultimately, having it sold by the court, with the proceeds distributed by priority. Because it is secret (not registered) and survives a change of ownership, a maritime lien is a powerful protection for those who serve or are harmed by a ship, and a real risk for buyers and financiers of vessels. The maritime lien is a foundational concept of admiralty law, closely tied to ship arrest and the ranking of maritime claims.
A maritime lien is uniquely powerful — it grips the ship itself, outranks mortgages, and survives a sale to an innocent buyer, all without being registered anywhere. That makes it strong protection for unpaid crew and salvors and a hidden danger for anyone buying or financing ships. It sits at the heart of how maritime claims are secured and ranked.
What makes a maritime lien special?
It attaches to the ship itself, follows the vessel even through a sale to a new owner, and usually ranks ahead of mortgages.
What claims create a maritime lien?
Typically crew wages, salvage, and collision damage done by the ship, among a limited set of protected claims.