East River Steamship Corp. v. Transamerica Delaval, Inc.

476 U.S. 858 (1986)

Facts

Seatrain Shipbuilding Corp. built four oil-transporting supertankers. The turbine engines for each tanker were manufactured under subcontract by Transamerica Delaval (D). The East River Steamship Corp. (P) chartered one of these supertankers. The supertanker developed serious problems in its turbine engines. These problems required major repairs. Soon after, similar problems arose with the other turbine engines manufactured by D. P sued D in tort under products liability, requesting the cost of repairing the engines, and the lost profits due to the damages. D received summary judgment. The court of appeals affirmed. P appealed.