The row over the stranding of the Jody F Millennium off Gisborne, New Zealand in February 2002 has finally come to court.
Twinbright Shipping, owner of the log carrier, and its Japanese parent company, Soki Kissen have lodged claims totalling NZ$23m in damages from Port Gisborne and Gisborne district council which owned the port when the ship was stranded for 18 days.
The council denies responsibility and blames unforeseeable sea and weather conditions and the actions of other parties.
The ship was carrying an estimated 20,000 tonnes of logs when she hit a sandbar.
