Swiss-based Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is reportedly facing a USD 1.1 billion lawsuit from India’s southern state of Kerala which is seeking compensation over marine fuel leaked from MSC ELSA 3 into the Arabian Sea in May.

The High Court of Kerala on Monday (7 July) ordered authorities to seize containership MSC Akiteta II which was anchored in Vizhinjam Port until securities for the claim amount are deposited.

The 1,700 TEU capacity containership MSC ELSA 3 was sailing from Vizhinjam to Kochi when failure in its ballast management system caused it to sink on 25 May about 13 nautical miles off the coast of Kerala.

Reports noted approximately 84 metric tonnes (mt) of diesel and 376 mt of fuel oil on board the stricken vessel when it sank carrying 643 boxes.

Photo credit: Indian Ministry of Defence
Published: 9 July 2025

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has filed charges against two crew members of Singapore-registered oil tanker Hafnia Nile over a collision against tanker Ceres 1 that killed a man and caused serious injury on another, according to news reports on Wednesday (2 July). 

Hafnia Nile and the Sao Tome and Principe-flagged Ceres I collided and caught fire about 55km northeast of Pedra Branca on 19 July 2024. The collision took place around 55km northeast of Pedra Branca within Singapore’s Maritime Search and Rescue Region.

Wickramage Viraj  Amila  Shavinda  Perera, 40, was the officer in charge of the navigational watch on Hafnia Nile between 5.40am and 6am on 19 July 2024. He was accused of failing to make “a full appraisal of the situation and the risk of dangers to navigation, maintain situational awareness of the area around the Hafnia Nile and ensure that a proper lookout was maintained”.

Due to this, the vessel collided with the Ceres I, causing “serious damage” to both tankers and the death of Mr Sellakkannu Shanmugasundaram, who was on board the Ceres I.

Meanwhile, 35-year-old Indian national Soosai Antony Vainer, who served as the lookout on the Hafnia Nile, is accused of observing the approaching Ceres I but failing to alert the officer in charge of navigational watch. Instead, Vainer reportedly steered the vessel unprompted and neglected his duty to maintain vigilance, ultimately resulting in the collision. 

A further mention of both cases were heard in Singapore’s State Courts on 2 July, and adjourned to a later date this month.

Related: MPA: Fire breaks out on two ships near Pedra Branca, search and rescue underway
Related: “Ceres 1” goes dark after collision with Singapore-flagged tanker, located by MMEA
Related: Malaysia: “Ceres 1” did not flee collision site but drifted away, says authorities
Related: Singapore-flagged tanker “Hafnia Nile” to be moved to safe location for cargo transfer

Photo credit: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency
Published: 3 July, 2025

A Cameroon-flagged tanker was boarded by four perpetrators while transiting eastbound in the Phillip Channel approximately 3.6 nautical miles northwest of Kapalajernih Island, Indonesia, on Thursday (26 June).  

One of the four was reportedly armed with a “gun-like object”, according to Ambrey Analytics, the digital intelligence arm of the Ambrey risk management group. 

“At the time of the boarding, the vessel was transiting at a speed of 11 knots with an estimated freeboard of 6.7 metres. At the time of writing, the vessel was observed continuing its voyage to Singapore Anchorage. Ambrey is investigating and will provide updates when available,” the company said in an alert.  

Ambrey advised vessels to remain vigilant when sailing through the Singapore Strait, especially during night-time hours. 

“Crews should lock down access to the accommodation block and ship’s stores. It is recommended to carry out partnered deck patrols. Do not confront criminals,” it added.  

Photo credit: Ambrey Analytics
Published: 27 June, 2025