What is a claim in rem?

A court action against property (called the res by lawyers), e. g. a ship, her cargo or freight. The ship may be arrested, and unless satisfactory security is provided by her owner to secure her release, may be sold by way of a judicial sale. A claimant with a claim listed in section 20 of the Supreme Court Act 1981 has a statutory right of claim in rem. A claim in rem is started with the issue of an in rem claim form.