MSC-Vizhinjam bonhomie may be tested as Kerala police files FIR against shipping giant

KOCHI: Based on a complaint by CPM Ambalappuzha Area Committee Secretary C. Shamji, the Fort Kochi police filed a case against the MSC ELSA3 vessel that capsized off the Kochi coast a few weeks back. Shamji, a native of Thekkemuri, Alappuzha, is also a leader of the Fishermen's Union.

The shipowner, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), is a global giant considered to be a crucial player in the upcoming development of Vizhinjam port. The government had earlier received advice to not squabble with the shipping behemoth. However, the Nilambur by-polls and the heated debates over the issue ruined the plans forcing the government to make a U-turn. MSC was charged with reckless navigation, causing danger to the shipping lane, negligent handling of toxic substances, and organized crime. These are all bailable offences.

The Centre also agreed with the government's decision to accept compensation from MSC. However, in addition to the opposition's allegations, the explosion of a second ship carrying highly toxic containers near Kannur Azheekal also prompted the government to file a case.

Advocate General K. Gopalakrishna Kurup gave legal advice on Wednesday to file a case, and the Chief Minister's Office informed the DGP about the information. The police were then instructed to summon the complainant to the Coastal Station and record his statement. The help of various departments will be sought to record the statements of the accused and take further action.

The ship was wrecked 38 nautical miles off Kochi on May 24. It sank the next day. The ship was carrying calcium carbide and other deadly chemicals in its cargo.

1 The FIR states that the ship was operated in a manner that posed a danger to human life and property despite being loaded with flammable goods and explosives

2 Environmental problems arose due to the discharge of harmful plastic waste from the containers

3 The waste seriously affected the traditional fishing sector. Fishermen suffered losses worth lakhs of rupees

MSC-Vizhinjam bonhomie

• An agreement was reached with MSC to create a global distribution network with Vizhinjam as its centre.

• MSC has sent the world's largest ships to Vizhinjam. They also included in the Asia-Europe service through this route.

• The company, headquartered in Geneva, has 860 ships spread across 155 countries.