Indian authorities have stepped up their legal response in the wake of recent maritime disasters involving MSC and Wan Hai Lines, underscoring a firm stance on compensation and accountability.
This comes after the Kerala High Court ordered the conditional arrest of a second MSC vessel at Vizhinjam port. This directive follows a complaint lodged by a local trading company seeking redress for cargo losses sustained during the sinking of the MSC Elsa-3 in May.
The court order pertains to the MV MSC Polo II, a sister ship expected to arrive at Vizhinjam port. The detention will be enforced if the vessel enters the court’s jurisdiction and will be lifted once the requisite security deposit is furnished.
This development comes shortly after the conditional arrest of another MSC sister ship, the Liberia-flagged MSC Manasa F, which has been anchored at Vizhinjam since 13 June under similar legal provisions.
In addition to the MSC cases, the Kerala High Court has also directed investigations and compensation proceedings related to the Wan Hai 503 fire incident, which occurred off the Kerala coast on 9 June.
These judicial measures highlight the increasing pressure on shipping companies to ensure safety and accountability in the Indian maritime sector, while providing recourse for affected importers and local businesses.
The Kerala High Court’s firm actions signal a growing commitment by Indian authorities to uphold maritime law and protect commercial interests in the region.
