Orissa HC Orders to Sale Indonesian Ship for Not Paying Berth Hiring Due to Paradip port

Cuttack: The Orissa high court on Tuesday ordered for sale of the arrested bulk carrier MV Debi for not depositing berth hiring dues to Paradip port.

Earlier, the High Court had directed to arrest the Indonasian ship for not depositing dues worth Rs 7.95 crore towards berth hiring of the Paradip International Cargo Terminal.

Justice V Narasingh of Orissa high court on Tuesday ordered for sale of the ship with the remark that the valuation of the cargo vessel will depreciate if it remains anchored at the port.

The High Court has appointed deputy registrar (judicial) as the commissioner for sale of the ship. The Commissioner will assign Adonia Offshore Consultants Pvt Ltd for valuation of the ship, the court ordered.

The petitioner will have to deposit Rs 3 lakh before the registrar (judicial) of Orissa High Court by August 22 for sale of the vessel and its related activities, the court ordered.

The petitioner will get return back the deposit money after sale of the ship, the court clarified in its order.

Notably, the MV Debi arrived at Paradip port from Gresik Port in Indonesia on November 29, 2023. Customs officers searched the ship and seized 22.2 kg of cocaine worth Rs 220 crores from it on November 30, 2023.