{"id":"court_ctb_1697_0","court":"CTB","case_no":"22-50073","doc_number":1697,"sub_number":0,"doc_type":"ORDER","filed_date":null,"title":"UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION | -------------------------------------------","summary_zh":null,"summary_en":null,"body_en":"# **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n| ------------------------------------------------------  | x           |                         |\n|---------------------------------------------------------|-------------|-------------------------|\n| In re:                                                  | :<br>:      | Chapter 11              |\n| HO WAN KWOK, et al.,1                                   | :<br>:      | Case No. 22-50073 (JAM) |\n| Debtors.                                                | :<br>:<br>: | (Jointly Administered)  |\n| ------------------------------------------------------x |             |                         |\n\n# **MOTION, PURSUANT TO BANKRUPTCY RULES 9006(c)(1), FOR ENTRY OF AN ORDER EXPEDITING HEARING ON MOTION OF CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE, PURSUANT TO BANKRUPTCY CODE SECTION 363(b), FOR ENTRY OF ORDER AUTHORIZING (I) MOVING LADY MAY TO NAVIGABLE WATERS OF RHODE ISLAND AND (II) ENTRY INTO, AND PERFORMANCE UNDER, NEWPORT DOCKAGE AGREEMENT**\n\nLuc A. Despins, as chapter 11 trustee (the \"Trustee\") appointed in the chapter 11 case\n\n(the \"Chapter 11 Case\") of Ho Wan Kwok (the \"Debtor\"), pursuant to Rule 9006(c)(1) of the\n\nFederal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (the \"Bankruptcy Rules\"), hereby moves (the \"Motion to\n\nExpedite\") this Court for entry of an order scheduling an expedited hearing to consider and\n\ndetermine the *Motion of Chapter 11 Trustee, Pursuant to Bankruptcy Code Section 363(b), for*\n\n*Entry of Order Authorizing (I) Moving Lady May to Navigable Waters of Rhode Island, and (II)*\n\n*Entry Into, and Performance Under, Newport Dockage Agreement* (the \"Motion to Transfer\")\n\n<sup>1</sup> The Debtors in these chapter 11 cases are Ho Wan Kwok (also known as Guo Wengui, Miles Guo, and Miles Kwok, as well as numerous other aliases) (last four digits of tax identification number: 9595), Genever Holdings LLC (last four digits of tax identification number: 8202) and Genever Holdings Corporation. The mailing address for the Trustee, Genever Holdings LLC, and the Genever Holdings Corporation is Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok (solely for purposes of notices and communications).\n\nand granting related relief.<sup>2</sup> In Support of this Motion to Expedite, the Trustee respectfully states as follows:\n\n## **JURISDICTION, VENUE, AND STATUTORY BASES**\n\n1. The Court has jurisdiction to consider this matter pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 and 1334 and the *Standing Order of Reference* from the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. This is a core proceeding pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 157(b)(2).\n\n2. Venue is proper before this Court pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 and 1409.\n\n3. The bases for the relief sought by this Motion to Expedite are Bankruptcy Rule 9006(c)(1) and 2002(i).\n\n#### **BACKGROUND**\n\n4. In aid of the sale of the Lady May (and the Lady May II), the Trustee filed the *Application of Trustee, Pursuant to Bankruptcy Code Sections 327(a) and 328, Bankruptcy Rules 2014(a) and 2016, and Local Rule 2014-1, for Entry of Order, Authorizing Employment and Retention of Edmiston and Company Limited as Broker for Sale of Lady May and Lady May II* (the \"Broker Retention Application\"). The Broker Retention Application is scheduled to be heard on April 27, 2023.\n\n5. The Motion to Transfer seeks authorization (a) to move the Lady May to the Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard in Newport, Rhode Island, in anticipation of the sale of the Lady May from the Newport foreign trade zone and (b) to enter into the Newport Dockage Agreement.\n\n6. The Trustee incorporates herein by reference the background section from the Motion to Transfer.\n\n<sup>2</sup> Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Motion to Expedite have the meanings set forth in the Motion to Transfer.\n\n#### **RELIEF REQUESTED**\n\n7. The Trustee respectfully requests that the Court schedule a hearing on the Motion to Transfer on or before **April 27, 2023**, subject to the Court's availability. In addition, the Trustee requests that the Court order that any objections to the Motion to Transfer be filed on or before **April 26, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. (ET)**. The Trustee will address the arguments raised in any such objections at the hearing on the Motion to Transfer.\n\n#### **BASIS FOR RELIEF REQUESTED**\n\n8. Pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 9006(c)(1), the Court may reduce the notice period when requested by motion where cause is demonstrated. Cause exists to consider and determine the Motion to Transfer on an expedited basis.\n\n9. To maximize the value of the estate for creditors, the Trustee intends to sell the Lady May, with Edmiston as sale broker, including by taking advantage of Newport's foreign trade zone to minimize and/or avoid customs duties. But even before the Lady May is transferred into Newport foreign trade zone, Edmiston (which has a fully-staffed office in Newport) can and will commence marketing of the Lady May, which will include, as an initial matter, liaising with the crew, staging the Lady May, and obtaining photography. Edmiston is also already in contact with other brokers who have expressed an interest in viewing the Lady May in Newport in early May.\n\n10. It is critical that the Motion to Transfer be approved by this Court so the Trustee can commence the marketing and sale process as soon as possible.\n\n## **NO PREVIOUS REQUEST**\n\n11. No previous request for the relief sought herein has been made by the Trustee to this or any other court.\n\n3\n\n#### **CONCLUSION**\n\n12. It is important that all steps be taken as soon as possible to facilitate the marketing and sale of the Lady May. Accordingly, the Trustee requests that the Motion to Transfer be heard on an expedited basis.\n\n[*Remainder of page intentionally left blank*.]\n\nWHEREFORE, the Trustee respectfully requests entry of the Proposed Order granting\n\nthe relief requested herein and such other and further relief as the Court may deem just and\n\nproper.\n\nNew Haven, Connecticut\n\n#### Dated: April 24, 2023 LUC A. DESPINS, CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE\n\nBy: */s/ G. Alexander Bongartz*\n\nAvram E. Luft (admitted *pro hac vice*) G. Alexander Bongartz (admitted *pro hac vice*) PAUL HASTINGS LLP 200 Park Avenue New York, New York 10166 (212) 318-6079 aviluft@paulhastings.com alexbongartz@paulhastings.com\n\n*and*\n\nNicholas A. Bassett (admitted *pro hac vice*) PAUL HASTINGS LLP 2050 M Street NW Washington, D.C., 20036 (202) 551-1902 nicholasbassett@paulhastings.com\n\n *and*\n\nDouglas S. Skalka (ct00616) Patrick R. Linsey (ct29437) NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C. 195 Church Street, 13th Floor New Haven, Connecticut 06510 (203) 781-2847 dskalka@npmlaw.com plinsey@npmlaw.com\n\n*Counsel for the Chapter 11 Trustee*\n\n## **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n| ------------------------------------------------------ | x      |                         |\n|--------------------------------------------------------|--------|-------------------------|\n| In re:                                                 | :<br>: | Chapter 11              |\n| HO WAN KWOK et al.,                                    | :<br>: | Case No. 22-50073 (JAM) |\n| Debtors.1                                              | :<br>: | Jointly Administered    |\n| ------------------------------------------------------ | :<br>x |                         |\n\n## **CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE**\n\nThe undersigned hereby certifies that on April 24, 2023, the foregoing Motion, and all declarations, exhibits and attachments thereto, was electronically filed. Notice of this filing was sent by e-mail to all parties to the above-captioned chapter 11 case by operation of the Court's electronic filing (\"CM/ECF\") system or by mail to anyone unable to accept electronic filing as indicated on the Notice of Electronic Filing. Parties may access this filing through the Court's CM/ECF system.\n\nNew Haven, Connecticut\n\nDated: April 24, 2023 LUC A. DESPINS, CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE\n\nBy: */s/ G. Alexander Bongartz*\n\nLuc A. Despins (admitted *pro hac vice*) Avram E. Luft (admitted *pro hac vice*) G. Alexander Bongartz (admitted *pro hac vice*) PAUL HASTINGS LLP 200 Park Avenue New York, New York 10166 (212) 318-6079 lucdespins@paulhastings.com\n\n<sup>1</sup> The Debtors in these chapter 11 cases are Ho Wan Kwok (also known as Guo Wengui, Miles Guo, and Miles Kwok, as well as numerous other aliases) (last four digits of tax identification number: 9595), Genever Holdings LLC (last four digits of tax identification number: 8202) and Genever Holdings Corporation. The mailing address for the Trustee, Genever Holdings LLC, and Genever Holdings Corporation is Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok (solely for purposes of notices and communications).\n\naviluft@paulhastings.com alexbongartz@paulhastings.com\n\n#### *and*\n\nNicholas A. Bassett (admitted *pro hac vice*) PAUL HASTINGS LLP 2050 M Street NW Washington, D.C., 20036 (202) 551-1902 nicholasbassett@paulhastings.com\n\n *and*\n\nDouglas S. Skalka (ct00616) Patrick R. Linsey (ct29437) NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C. 195 Church Street, 13th Floor New Haven, Connecticut 06510 (203) 781-2847 dskalka@npmlaw.com plinsey@npmlaw.com\n\n*Counsel for the Chapter 11 Trustee*\n\n# **Exhibit A**\n\n**Proposed Order**\n\n# **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n| ------------------------------------------------------ | x           |                         |\n|--------------------------------------------------------|-------------|-------------------------|\n| In re:                                                 | :<br>:      | Chapter 11              |\n| HO WAN KWOK et al.,                                    | :<br>:      | Case No. 22-50073 (JAM) |\n| Debtors.1                                              | :<br>:<br>: | Jointly Administered    |\n| ------------------------------------------------------ | x           |                         |\n\n# **ORDER SCHEDULING EXPEDITED HEARING ON MOTION OF CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE, PURSUANT TO BANKRUPTCY CODE SECTION 363(b), FOR ENTRY OF ORDER AUTHORIZING (I) MOVING LADY MAY TO NAVIGABLE WATERS OF RHODE ISLAND AND (II) ENTRY INTO, AND PERFORMANCE UNDER, NEWPORT DOCKAGE AGREEMENT**\n\nThe Court having considered the motion (the \"Motion to Expedite\")2 seeking an\n\nexpedited hearing on the *Motion of Chapter 11 Trustee, Pursuant to Bankruptcy Code Section*\n\n*363(b), For Entry of Order Authorizing (I) Moving Lady May To Navigable Waters of Rhode*\n\n*Island, and (II) Entry Into, And Performance Under, Newport Dockage Agreement* [Docket No.\n\n\\_\\_\\_] (the \"Motion to Transfer\"); and good cause appearing for the relief sought in the Motion to\n\nExpedite, it is hereby\n\nORDERED, that a hearing on the Motion to Transfer shall be held on April [\\_\\_\\_], 2023\n\nat [\\_\\_]:00 a./p.m. (ET) at the United States Bankruptcy Court, District of Connecticut,\n\n<sup>1</sup> The Debtors in these chapter 11 cases are Ho Wan Kwok (also known as Guo Wengui, Miles Guo, and Miles Kwok, as well as numerous other aliases) (last four digits of tax identification number: 9595), Genever Holdings LLC (last four digits of tax identification number: 8202) and Genever Holdings Corporation. The mailing address for the Trustee, Genever Holdings LLC, and Genever Holdings Corporation is Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok (solely for purposes of notices and communications).\n\n<sup>2</sup> Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Order have the meanings set forth in the Motion to Expedite.\n\nBridgeport Division, 915 Lafayette Boulevard, Room 123, Bridgeport, CT 06604 (the \"Hearing\"); and it is further\n\nORDERED, that the deadline to object to the Motion to Transfer shall be April [\\_\\_], 2023 at 4:00 p.m. (ET); and it is further\n\nORDERED, that a copy of this Order, along with the Motion to Transfer and any attachments thereto, shall be served upon all parties to the above-captioned case, and the Trustee shall file a certificate of service in advance of the hearing.","body_zh":"UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION（美国康涅狄格区联邦破产法院布里奇波特分院）\n\n------------------------------------------------------ x\n\n关于： :\n: 第11章\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵）等，1 :\n: 案号：22-50073 (JAM)\n债务人。 :\n:\n: （合并审理）\n\n根据《破产规则》第9006(c)(1)条提起的动议，申请作出裁定以加快审理第11章破产受托人根据《破产法典》第363(b)条提起的申请作出授权(I)将“LADY MAY”号（梅号）移至罗德岛州通航水域及(II)签署并履行纽波特停泊协议的动议\n\n在Ho Wan Kwok（债务人）的第11章案件（“第11章案件”）中获任命的第11章受托人Luc A. Despins（“受托人”），根据《联邦破产程序规则》（“《破产规则》”）第9006(c)(1)条，特此向本法院提出动议（“加快审理动议”），申请作出裁定以排定快速听证程序，以审议并裁决《第11章破产受托人根据〈破产法典〉第363(b)条申请作出授权(I)将“Lady May”号移至罗德岛州通航水域及(II)签署并履行纽波特停泊协议的动议》（“移泊动议”）\n\n1 本案涉及的第11章各债务人为Ho Wan Kwok（又名Guo Wengui、Miles Guo和Miles Kwok，以及若干其他化名）（纳税人识别号后四位：9595）、Genever Holdings LLC（纳税人识别号后四位：8202）及Genever Holdings Corporation。受托人、Genever Holdings LLC及Genever Holdings Corporation的邮寄地址为：Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok（仅用于接收通知和联络）。\n\n并准予相关救济。2 为支持本加快审理动议，受托人谨陈述如下：\n管辖权、审理地及法定依据\n\n1. 根据28 U.S.C. §§ 157和1334以及United States District Court for the District of Connecticut（美国康涅狄格区联邦地方法院）的案件移送常规裁定，本法院对本案具有管辖权。根据28 U.S.C. § 157(b)(2)，本案属于核心程序。\n\n2. 根据28 U.S.C. §§ 1408和1409，本法院为适格审理地。\n\n3. 本加快审理动议所寻求救济的依据为《破产规则》第9006(c)(1)条和第2002(i)条。\n背景\n\n4. 为协助出售“Lady May”号（及“Lady May II”号），受托人提交了《受托人根据〈破产法典〉第327(a)和328条、〈破产规则〉第2014(a)和2016条以及〈本地规则〉第2014-1条申请作出授权聘用及留任Edmiston and Company Limited作为出售Lady May和Lady May II经纪人的裁定的申请》（“经纪人聘用申请”）。经纪人聘用申请预定于2023年4月27日举行听证会。\n\n5. 移泊动议寻求授权：(a) 在预期从纽波特对外贸易区出售“Lady May”号的情况下，将“Lady May”号移至罗德岛州纽波特的Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard（安全港纽波特船厂），以及 (b) 签署《纽波特停泊协议》。\n\n6. 受托人特此援引移泊动议中的背景部分作为本文的组成部分。\n\n2 本加快审理动议中使用但未另行定义的首字母大写术语，具有移泊动议中所赋予的含义。\n请求的救济\n\n7. 受托人谨请求法院在法院时间允许的前提下，于2023年4月27日或之前就移泊动议排定听证会。此外，受托人请求法院裁定对移泊动议的任何异议均须于2023年4月26日下午4:00（东部时间）或之前提交。受托人将在移泊动议的听证会上回应任何此类异议中提出的论点。\n请求救济的依据\n\n8. 根据《破产规则》第9006(c)(1)条，当经动议申请并证明存在正当理由时，法院可缩短通知期限。目前存在正当理由以加快审理并裁决移泊动议。\n\n9. 为使破产财产对债权人的价值最大化，受托人拟在Edmiston（埃德米斯顿）作为销售经纪人的情况下出售“Lady May”号，包括利用纽波特的对外贸易区以尽量减少和/或避免关税。但即使在“Lady May”号转移至纽波特对外贸易区之前，Edmiston（其在纽波特拥有常驻工作人员的办事处）也可以并且将开始对“Lady May”号进行营销，初步工作将包括与船员联络、对“Lady May”号进行场地布置陈设以及拍摄照片。Edmiston也已经与其他表达了有兴趣于5月初在纽波特看船的经纪人取得了联系。\n\n10. 移泊动议获得本法院批准至关重要，以便受托人能够尽早启动营销和销售程序。\n此前未提出过请求\n\n11. 受托人此前未就本文所寻求的救济向本法院或任何其他法院提出过请求。\n\n结论\n\n12. 尽快采取一切措施以促进“Lady May”号的营销和销售是非常重要的。因此，受托人请求对移泊动议进行加快审理。\n\n[本页其余部分有意留白。]\n\n为此，受托人谨请求作出准予本文所请求救济的拟议裁定，以及法院认为公正且适当的此类其他及进一步的救济。\n\n康涅狄格州纽黑文\n日期：2023年4月24日 LUC A. DESPINS，第11章受托人\n\n签署人：/s/ G. Alexander Bongartz\n\nAvram E. Luft（经特别许可出庭） G. Alexander Bongartz（经特别许可出庭） PAUL HASTINGS LLP（普衡律师事务所） 200 Park Avenue New York, New York 10166 (212) 318-6079 aviluft@paulhastings.com alexbongartz@paulhastings.com\n\n及\n\nNicholas A. Bassett（经特别许可出庭） PAUL HASTINGS LLP 2050 M Street NW Washington, D.C., 20036 (202) 551-1902 nicholasbassett@paulhastings.com\n\n及\n\nDouglas S. Skalka (ct00616) Patrick R. Linsey (ct29437) NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C. 195 Church Street, 13th Floor New Haven, Connecticut 06510 (203) 781-2847 dskalka@npmlaw.com plinsey@npmlaw.com\n\n第11章受托人代理律师\nUNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION（美国康涅狄格区联邦破产法院布里奇波特分院）\n\n------------------------------------------------------ x\n\n关于： :\n: 第11章\nHO WAN KWOK等， :\n: 案号：22-50073 (JAM)\n债务人。1 :\n: 合并审理\n\nx\n送达证明\n\n下述签名人特此证明，于2023年4月24日，前述动议以及随附的所有声明、证据和附件均已通过电子方式提交。本提交事项的通知已通过法院电子归档系统（“CM/ECF”）以电子邮件方式发送给上述标题所列第11章案件的所有当事人，或按照《电子归档通知》所示以邮寄方式发送给无法接收电子归档文件的任何人。各方当事人可通过法院的CM/ECF系统查阅本次提交的文件。\n\n康涅狄格州纽黑文\n\n日期：2023年4月24日 LUC A. DESPINS，第11章受托人\n\n签署人：/s/ G. Alexander Bongartz\n\nLuc A. Despins（经特别许可出庭） Avram E. Luft（经特别许可出庭） G. Alexander Bongartz（经特别许可出庭） PAUL HASTINGS LLP 200 Park Avenue New York, New York 10166 (212) 318-6079 lucdespins@paulhastings.com\n\n1 本案涉及的第11章各债务人为Ho Wan Kwok（又名Guo Wengui、Miles Guo和Miles Kwok，以及若干其他化名）（纳税人识别号后四位：9595）、Genever Holdings LLC（纳税人识别号后四位：8202）及Genever Holdings Corporation。受托人、Genever Holdings LLC及Genever Holdings Corporation的邮寄地址为：Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok（仅用于接收通知和联络）。\n\naviluft@paulhastings.com alexbongartz@paulhastings.com\n及\n\nNicholas A. Bassett（经特别许可出庭） PAUL HASTINGS LLP 2050 M Street NW Washington, D.C., 20036 (202) 551-1902 nicholasbassett@paulhastings.com\n\n及\n\nDouglas S. Skalka (ct00616) Patrick R. Linsey (ct29437) NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C. 195 Church Street, 13th Floor New Haven, Connecticut 06510 (203) 781-2847 dskalka@npmlaw.com plinsey@npmlaw.com\n\n第11章受托人代理律师\n附件 A\n\n拟议裁定\nUNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION（美国康涅狄格区联邦破产法院布里奇波特分院）\n\n------------------------------------------------------ x\n\n关于： :\n: 第11章\nHO WAN KWOK等， :\n: 案号：22-50073 (JAM)\n债务人。1 :\n:\n: 合并审理\n------------------------------------------------------ x\n关于排定快速审理第11章破产受托人根据《破产法典》第363(b)条申请作出授权(I)将“LADY MAY”号移至罗德岛州通航水域及(II)签署并履行纽波特停泊协议的动议的听证会的裁定\n\n本法院经审议申请就《第11章破产受托人根据〈破产法典〉第363(b)条申请作出授权(I)将“Lady May”号移至罗德岛州通航水域及(II)签署并履行纽波特停泊协议的动议》[案卷号第___号]（“移泊动议”）进行快速听证的动议（“加快审理动议”）2；且加快审理动议中所请求的救济具有充分的正当理由，特此\n\n裁定：移泊动议的听证会应于2023年4月[___]日[__]:00 上午/下午（东部时间）在United States Bankruptcy Court, District of Connecticut,\n\n1 本案涉及的第11章各债务人为Ho Wan Kwok（又名Guo Wengui、Miles Guo和Miles Kwok，以及若干其他化名）（纳税人识别号后四位：9595）、Genever Holdings LLC（纳税人识别号后四位：8202）及Genever Holdings Corporation。受托人、Genever Holdings LLC及Genever Holdings Corporation的邮寄地址为：Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok（仅用于接收通知和联络）。\n\n2 本裁定中使用但未另行定义的首字母大写术语，具有加快审理动议中所赋予的含义。\n\nBridgeport Division, 915 Lafayette Boulevard, Room 123, Bridgeport, CT 06604举行（“听证会”）；并进一步\n\n裁定：对移泊动议提出异议的截止时间应为2023年4月[__]日下午4:00（东部时间）；并进一步\n\n裁定：本裁定副本连同移泊动议及其任何附件，应送达上述标题所列案件的所有当事人，且受托人应在听证会前提交送达证明。","key_entities":["Kwok","Ho Wan Kwok","Despins","Paul Hastings","Guo","Je","Miles Guo","CIPA"],"ecf_references":[],"word_count":1769,"status":"published","published_at":null,"created_at":null,"updated_at":"2026-08-23 13:02:06"}