A maritime lien is the lien on a ship in order to secure the claim of a creditor who has rendered services to the vessel or who has suffered injury caused by the vessel. It arises for unpaid service to the ship the payment of which has fallen due and also for damage done to the vessel. Maritime liens are compared to hypothecation of movables like cars, vehicles, etc.
A maritime lien constitutes security interests on ships. It is created by operation of law and continues to exist as a privileged claim upon the maritime property concerned until satisfied, remaining secret and invisible. Maritime lien travels with the property unconditionally. In law maritime lien gets priority over other forms of security interests including registered ones.
The maritime lien holder can enforce the lien against the ship in question in a legal action for the realization of his dues.
