Authorities at Paradip Port detained a Malta-flagged cargo vessel MV Densa Lion on Wednesday, following an Orissa High Court order over unpaid maintenance dues amounting to ₹42.72 lakh.
The 15-year-old bulk carrier, measuring 189.9 metres in length and 32.26 metres in width, was berthed at Paradip International Cargo Terminal (PICT) to load a consignment of iron plates when it was arrested.
The order was issued by Justice V. Narasingh of the High Court’s admiralty jurisdiction on Tuesday, acting on a petition filed by Waypoint Port Services Limited, an international shipping agency founded in Cyprus in 2014. The agency alleged that the vessel’s operator failed to clear dues of $48,399.82 (₹42,72,420), along with 18% annual interest.
“The Kujang court executed the arrest warrant on Wednesday, with an executive magistrate and police detaining the vessel in the harbour area. Security at the port has been tightened,” said Additional SP Smruti Ranjan Kar.
The High Court observed that failure to arrest the vessel would frustrate the claim, and allowed proceedings under the Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017, which empowers high courts to adjudicate maritime disputes. The framework stems from the Colonial Courts of Admiralty Acts of 1890 and 1891 and aligns with international shipping practices.
The next hearing on the matter has been scheduled for October 10.