

Introducing: The Outlaw Ocean S2 and The repo man of the seas
Jun 30, 2025
Max Hardberger, a maritime lawyer and ship recovery specialist, alongside Michael Bono, managing director of Vessel Extractions, dive into the high-stakes world of ship repossession. They share thrilling tales of covert operations like the daring retrieval of the Maya Express amidst local tensions. The discussion also reveals the ethical dilemmas faced in navigating the murky waters of maritime law, including clever methods of deception and the impact of corruption. Their experiences blur the line between legality and piracy, making for a captivating listen.
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Bold Venezuelan Ship Recovery
- Max Hardberger once sneaked onto a seized ship in Venezuela at night.
- He bribed guards and escaped with the ship, which was later disguised and sold in Costa Rica.
White-Collar Piracy Reality
- Maritime piracy often involves bureaucratic seizures instead of armed hijackings.
- "White-collar piracy" includes legal maneuvers by lenders and lawyers to hold ships captive.
Ship Identity Erasure Technique
- Max and partners "scrubbed the bottom" of a Venezuelan ship to erase its identity.
- They altered the ship's name and documents to sell it legally elsewhere.