Jakarta, ThedailyID — Singapore authorities have detained the residential cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey following a court order over alleged unpaid financial obligations.
The luxury vessel had previously suspended operations in Cambodia in late October. Its detention in Singapore forms part of a civil maritime claim involving outstanding payments.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) confirmed that the ship arrived on Sunday, November 8. It is currently anchored at Changi General Purpose Anchorage.
Authorities detained the vessel at 10:34 a.m. local time, shortly after its arrival. The action followed an application filed by law firm Helmsman LLC.
“The vessel has been arrested pursuant to a court order,” the MPA said in a statement, according to Channel News Asia on Tuesday, November 10.
The authority confirmed that no passengers were aboard when the detention took place. Meanwhile, around 50 crew members remained on the vessel and were reported to be in good condition. Their welfare arrangements are being handled by the creditors in accordance with applicable regulations.
Reported US$500,000 Fuel Debt
The detention follows Singapore’s maritime civil procedure, which allows courts to appoint bailiffs to seize vessels as security for legal claims.
Although Helmsman LLC has not officially disclosed the claimant or details of the case, CBS News reported that the plaintiff may be a fuel supplier.
Villa Vie Residences reportedly owes a local supplier US$500,000, equivalent to approximately Rp9.1 billion, in unpaid fuel bills.
If the ship’s owner fails to settle the debt or secure its release, a court-appointed bailiff could arrange its sale through a judicial auction. The proceeds could then cover legal costs and compensation owed to creditors.
Passengers Previously Forced to Leave Cambodia
Villa Vie Residences suspended the ship’s operations while it was docked in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, on October 27.
The company cited a sharp increase in fuel costs across Asia, partly linked to the Iran war. Monthly fuel expenses reportedly rose from an average of US$1,800 to between US$6,000 and US$8,000 per cabin.
Before the suspension, the vessel had sailed for 755 days. However, its 203 passengers faced growing difficulties, including requests for additional payments, reduced onboard services, and uncertain itinerary changes.
Passengers were eventually given just eight hours to vacate their cabins.
Many personal belongings remained aboard, with no confirmed refund arrangements. A group of passengers also attempted to purchase the ship to continue the voyage, but the effort failed.
The vessel eventually sailed to Singapore without passengers.
Company Faces Financial Uncertainty
Built in 1993, the ship previously operated under the name Braemar. Villa Vie purchased it in 2023 and converted it into a permanent floating residence.
Now, the company faces mounting pressure to restructure its business and secure new funding.
According to Fortune, Villa Vie has set a deadline of approximately 60 days to reorganize its management and seek additional investment.
Company founder Mikael Petterson has also acknowledged that filing for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 remains a possibility as the business struggles with its financial crisis.
