- In the case of Bunker Partner OU v. MV MAIA-1, the Kerala High Court directed a Russian vessel by the name of MV MAIA-1 to be detained at the Cochin Port Trust for non-payment of dues to an Estonian firm namely, Bunker Partner OU.
- The Court was considering an admiralty suit instituted by an Estonian firm that supplied bunkers to the said Russian vessel. The firm had petitioned the High Court seeking a decree for an amount of USD $23,503 with interest @ 0.1% per day, which was the value of bunkers it had supplied to the Russian ship.
- Justice Sathish Ninan being satisfied with the application of arrest prima facie, issued the ex-parte order against the Russian cargo ship.
- Senior Advocate VJ Mathew appeared on behalf of the Estonian firm and submitted that the vessel was presently at the Cochin Port Trust within the territorial waters of the High Court. In consideration of this submission, the Judge directed the Deputy Conservator of Ports to execute the warrant and effect the arrest, seizure and detention of the vessel.
- The arrest was made on a conditional order that along with the russian vessel - her hull, tackle, engine, machinery spares, gear, apparel, paraphernalia, furniture, and other appurtenances should also be detained until the defendant deposits the amount of INR 18,68,499.63 (USD 23,503.14) to the court or furnishes security for the said amount.
- Further, the Court directed the firm to provide counter-security of ₹5 lakh within a period of two weeks.
- After the Kerala High Court permitted the seizure of the ship ,the Russian embassy confirmed the detention of the ship. Additionally, The diplomatic mission stated that the Russian vessel had arrived with military cargo for the Indian armed forces.
- The Embassy of Russia officially requested the Ministry of External Affairs for an explanation on the matter and also called for the rights of the shipowners and crew to be respected.
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