Judgment No. 10748 of 2024: Change of Shipowner and Business Transfer

The recent ruling of the Court of Cassation No. 10748 of April 22, 2024, provides important clarifications regarding the issue of changing the shipowner of a vessel and the operator of an aircraft. This decision is situated within a complex legal context, where the distinction between the transfer of a business and the mere change of management of a single business element assumes crucial importance for both employers and the workers involved.

The Regulatory Context

The ruling analyzes the relationship between the provisions of the Navigation Code, particularly articles 343 and 917, and article 2112 of the Civil Code, which governs the transfer of a business. According to the Court, the change of shipowner or operator of an aircraft cannot be considered a legal transfer of a business, as it refers to a single asset (the ship or the aircraft) and not to the business as a whole. This aspect is fundamental to understanding the legal and contractual implications of such changes.

Analysis of the Ruling's Principle

Change of shipowner of the vessel and operator of the aircraft pursuant to articles 343 and 917 of the Navigation Code - Business transfer pursuant to article 2112 of the Civil Code - Configurability - Exclusion - Foundation. In cases of change of shipowner of the vessel and operator of the aircraft pursuant to articles 343 and 917 of the Navigation Code, a business transfer under article 2112 of the Civil Code cannot be configured, as they refer to a single element of the business (the ship and the aircraft) and to employment contracts on specific ships and aircraft.

This principle highlights that, to configure a business transfer, there must be a transfer of assets and rights that allows for the continuation of an economic activity in an autonomous manner. In this specific case, the mere replacement of the shipowner does not entail the transfer of all the constitutive elements of the business, but is limited to a change in the management of a single element, which does not justify the application of article 2112 of the Civil Code.

Practical Implications of the Ruling

The practical consequences of this ruling are manifold and concern various aspects:

  • Clarity for onboard workers: employment contracts are not automatically transferred to a new shipowner.
  • Protection for employers: the new shipowner does not automatically assume the contractual obligations of the previous one.
  • Legal risks: it is essential for both parties to understand the legal differences in order to avoid future disputes.

Conclusions

Judgment No. 10748 of 2024 represents an important reference point in Italian jurisprudence regarding labor law and business transfers. By clarifying the distinction between the change of shipowner and the transfer of a business, the Court provides useful guidance for the management of employment contracts in the maritime and aviation sectors. In an ever-evolving context like the current one, it is essential for employers and workers to be well-informed to avoid ambiguities and legal issues.

Bianucci Law Firm