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 Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) on Friday (4 July) said it detained a tanker carrying 62,000 litres of diesel without valid documentation off Port Klang on 3 July. 

Selangor MMEA director Maritime Captain Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh said the tanker was detained at about one nautical mile west of Tanjung Harapan at 1.30pm during a routine patrol in Selangor waters. 

Initial checks showed the tanker was operated by a 43-year-old Indonesia captain with a crew of six, aged between 21 and 51, who were also Indonesians. All of them had complete identification documents. 

However, the captain failed to present any documents permitting the transport of the diesel cargo which is a controlled item. 

With that, a detention order was issued for the tanker. Both the captain and second engineer were arrested and were brought to the marine police jetty in Pulau Indah for further investigation. 

The case will be investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 for failure to provide a permit or special licences from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to possess, store or transport controlled goods.  

Photo credit: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency
Published: 7 July, 2025

Veteran shipping and international trade lawyer Kelly Yap on Tuesday (1 July) launched Ming Law Asia LLC, a new law firm focused on commercial dispute resolution with a strong emphasis on shipping and international trade matters.

Previously Head of Litigation and China Practice at Oon & Bazul LLP, Yap brings over 25 years of experience advising and representing shipowners, charterers, P&I clubs, marine insurers, reinsurers, banks, and commodities trading houses in court proceedings, arbitrations, and mediations across a wide range of maritime and commercial disputes.

Following the collapse of Hin Leong Trading, Yap acted for various clients affected by vessel arrests involving deliveries made against letters of indemnity or fraudulent bills of lading. On the wet shipping side, he regularly receives instructions on ship collisions and other casualties which happen in or around Singapore waters.

The firm opens with a team of nine professionals and is well positioned to serve clients globally. Yap is joined by Gregory Toh, an up-and-coming shipping specialist, and Ray Shankar, who enhances the firm’s offering with a growing private wealth management practice. Shanker regularly advises ultra-high net worth individuals and families across Asia on succession planning, family governance, and philanthropic structures.

“Ming Law Asia is built on strong client relationships, commercial understanding, and practical advice,” said Yap. “We are committed to being responsive and delivering clear, effective solutions that support our clients’ objectives.”

Photo credit: Ming Law Asia
Published: 1 July, 2025