Cargo Ship MV Debi Released After Over A Year-Long Detention At Paradip Port

The Orissa High Court has ordered the release of the cargo ship MV Debi, which was detained at Paradip Port for more than a year after authorities found 22 kilograms of cocaine on board.

The bulk carrier registered in Panama and managed by Vietnam-based Asia Pacific Shipping Company had been stuck at the port since November 2023 due to both a drug investigation and unpaid port dues.

MV Debi arrived at Paradip Port on November 30, 2023, carrying a shipment of steel plates from Indonesia, with Denmark as its final destination.

During an inspection, a longshoreman spotted suspicious packages hidden under a crane.

Officials later confirmed that the packages contained 22 kilograms of cocaine, worth approximately ₹220 crore, making it the largest drug seizure at the port.

The drugs were attached to the crane using magnets. After the discovery was made, Customs authorities seized the ship and restricted its movement, ordering that no authorisations be granted without prior consultation.

The crew’s electronic devices were confiscated for further investigation. Although no formal charges were filed against the 21 Vietnamese crew members, they were confined to the vessel as investigations continued.

The sailors faced extreme hardships, including limited communication with their families and restricted movement. Essential supplies were provided, and medical checkups were conducted.

In January 2024, one of the ship’s engineers tried to jump overboard after an argument but was rescued and treated for injuries. As months passed, frustration grew among the crew.

They staged a protest in November 2024, refusing to work and demanding an end to their prolonged detention.

Under International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations, sailors cannot remain on board a ship for more than 11 months without leave.

Authorities later approved a phased release of the MV Debi’s crew, and the ship’s management arranged for 12 new sailors to replace those who departed, with more replacements expected later.

As the ship remained docked at the Paradip International Cargo Terminal Pvt. Ltd (PICT), unpaid berth hire charges accumulated. When the shipowner failed to pay ₹7.95 crore in dues, PICT filed an admiralty suit under the Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017.

In February 2024, the Orissa High Court ordered the ship’s arrest due to non-payment. By August, the court approved the vessel’s auction as the shipowner had not settled the debt.

After months of legal proceedings, the shipowner, Asia Pacific Shipping Co. Ltd, reached an out-of-control settlement with PICT in October 2024. Following this, PICT submitted an affidavit requesting the withdrawal of the admiralty suit.

Taking the settlement into account, the High Court ruled that there was no further need for legal action and recalled the arrest order. Additionally, the court instructed the shipowner to refund ₹23.87 lakh in court fees to PICT.

By December 2024 and January 2025, all 21 Vietnamese crew members, who had been under investigation since the drug seizure, were released after separate orders from the Orissa High Court.

Reference: Hindustan Times

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