Cotemar demands $59m from ABS in New York court showdown
Mexican contractor seeks to enforce $34.8m judgment plus interest against ABSG Consulting in New York Supreme Court.
Mexican offshore services provider Cotemar has escalated its financial dispute with ABSG Consulting by filing legal action in New York. The company is seeking to enforce a $34.8 million judgment issued by a Mexico City court, with the total claim now valued at $59.4 million after applying interest under both Mexican and New York regulations.
The conflict originates from a project in the Gulf of Mexico between September 2017 and March 2018. Cotemar was contracted by ABSG Consulting—a subsidiary of the American Bureau of Shipping—to supply personnel and equipment for transporting and installing a modular drilling rig on an offshore platform. The work was commissioned by prime contractor Tamaulipas Modular Rig, which Cotemar states had already paid ABSG for the services. Despite this, Cotemar alleges the subsidiary withheld payment for the completed and accepted work.
Legal proceedings and financial stakes: New York
A Mexico City court ruled in Cotemar’s favor in March 2022, determining that the work had been properly executed. The decision was later upheld by an appellate court in June 2023. With interest accruing under both jurisdictions, the original $34.8 million judgment has grown to $59.4 million. By pursuing enforcement in New York, Cotemar aims to leverage a key legal venue for maritime disputes to secure payment.
Neither ABS nor its subsidiary ABSG Consulting has publicly responded to the legal action. The case now awaits a decision from the New York State Supreme Court on whether to recognize and enforce the Mexican judgment. If approved, Cotemar could proceed with measures to recover the full amount.
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