(1) A maritime lien is a lien in rem, i. e. against the matter, whereas a possessory lien is a lien in personam, i. e. against the person (including a company).
(2) Whereas a possessory lien is dependent on possession of the property, a maritime lien is not dependent on possession, i. e. it travels with the property (e. g. a ship or cargo). (3) A maritime lien survives the commercial sale (but not the judicial sale) of the property, whereas a possessory lien does not.
