by Lloyd's List
18 June 2025 (Lloyd's List) - CONTAINER lines must take responsibility for a spate of recent casualties involving dangerous cargoes, India has warned the International Maritime Organization.
A misdeclared cargo explosion on June 9 left four missing and six injured on the Singapore-flagged containership Wan Hai 503 (IMO: 9294862) off Kerala.
This morning, India’s IMO delegate said the ship carried 147 dangerous containers and 65 had washed ashore, “causing panic among the coastal residents”. Many had yet to be recovered, he said.
“Pollution control measures, including the tedious task of cleaning plastic nurdles from the pristine beaches of Kerala, are ongoing,” India said.
That incident followed the sinking on May 25 of Liberia-flagged MSC Elsa 3 (IMO: 9123221) about 33 nautical miles south of Kochi, because of “operational and structural issues”.
It had 13 containers carrying dangerous cargoes.
Then on June 3, 22 crew were rescued from the Liberia-flagged car carrier Morning Midas (IMO: 9289910) after a fire in the cargo space.
India said undeclared lithium-ion batteries had also been linked to fires on the Singapore-flagged Interasia Tenacity (IMO: 1018145) and the Liberia-flagged Wan Hai 613 (IMO: 9224520).
It said the incident highlighted urgent safety concerns. India urged a global review of packaging, stowage and monitoring protocols, especially for nurdles and lithium-ion batteries.
“The four incidents in quick succession within three weeks demand immediate action from stakeholders to protect the seafarers’ lives and the livelihood of Indian fishermen and the coastal communities,” he said.
“Reliance solely on shippers’ declaration is not adequate.
“The shipowners, managers — especially the container shipping lines — must adopt technology and take responsibility to prevent such incidents in a transparent manner.
“What is in a box cannot be a mystery anymore.”
India said the IMO should develop stronger regulations for safe containerships, cargo management and crew protection “on a war footing”.
Singapore said its Maritime and Port Authority was working with its Indian counterparts. “The shipowner, Wan Hai Lines, is also extending their full co-operation and support to the affected crew and their next of kin,” Singapore said.
Yesterday, two crude tankers collided off the eastern entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, 15 nm off Fujairah, UAE.
The UAE coastguard evacuated 24 crew of Antigua & Barbuda-flagged suezmax Adalynn (IMO: 9231767) following the collision with the Frontline very large crude carrier Front Eagle (IMO: 9855343).
Antigua & Barbuda told the MSC110 meeting tugs from Fujairah port had extinguished the fire. It said the UAE’s quick response “undoubtedly contributed to the prevention of any loss of life”.
IMO secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez urged member states to improve compliance with safety standards, prepare for emergency responses and enhance vigilance in safe navigation.
“We will closely monitor these incidents and the investigations into them,” Dominguez said in his opening remarks.
The IMO would analyse lessons learnt and take “any measures deemed appropriate”.
