India Allows Essential Supplies To Crew On Seized Iran-Linked Ships In Suspected Illegal Fuel Transfer

tankers — Image for representation purposes only

The Bombay High Court has allowed the owners of three ships seized by the Indian Coast Guard to send essential supplies to the crew.

The ships were detained on February 6, around 100 nautical miles off Mumbai, over suspected illegal transfer of petroleum products within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The court’s decision ensures basic support for crew while the investigation into alleged smuggling activities continues.

A division bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Abhay Mantri allowed the owners to send food, water, and other necessities to crew members. The supplies will be delivered under strict security monitoring.

The court also permitted the companies, Balboa Shipping, Royal Princess Shipping, and Star Management Shipping, to assess the current market value of the vessels.

This valuation could be used if the court later considers releasing the ships against financial bonds.

The vessels, Asphalt Star, Stellar Ruby, and Al Jafzia, were intercepted by the Indian Coast Guard in February. Authorities had been tracking Asphalt Star since February 4 before stopping it at sea.

Investigators said the ships were involved in unauthorised ship-to-ship fuel transfers inside India’s EEZ.

Asphalt Star allegedly transferred around 30 metric tonnes of heavy fuel oil to Al Jafzia. It also delivered over 5,400 metric tonnes of high-viscosity bitumen to Stellar Ruby.

Officials reported that the vessels attempted to hide their identity by switching off onboard tracking systems, including sensors and the voyage data recorder.

On February 15, Mumbai’s Yellow Gate Police registered a case against Jugwinder Singh Brar, identified as the alleged owner, along with several crew members.

Those named include captains, engineers and chief officers, from all three vessels. Authorities are investigating their roles in the suspected smuggling operation.

During the hearing, a survey by the Directorate General of Shipping found irregularities in vessel documentation. Some ships were operating with fake registration details, invalid insurance, and incorrect national flags.

Reference: Hindustantimes

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