Plan to cap vessel lifespan after Kerala shipwreck

The Union government is formulating a policy to cap the operational lifespan of vessels navigating the country's waters, following the sinking of the MSC Elsa 3 off the Kerala coast. The 28-year-old Liberian-flagged container ship, which was en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi, capsized due to a mechanical failure in its ballast management system, according to preliminary findings by maritime authorities.
Director General of Shipping Shyam Jagannathan stated that while the vessel met international safety standards, the incident has highlighted the need for stricter oversight. “We have some concerns about some old vessels operating in Indian waters. We are working on a proposal to fix the lifespan of vessels. Also, we have to enhance the inspection regime,” he said during a press briefing in Kochi.
The MSC Elsa 3, constructed in Germany in 1997, developed a 26-degree starboard list on 24 May and sank the following morning. All 24 crew members were safely evacuated by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. The ship was carrying 640 containers, some of which contained hazardous materials like calcium carbide and rubber solution. By Wednesday, 50 containers had washed ashore along the Kerala coast, prompting environmental concerns.
Chief Surveyor Ajith Sukumaran noted that the ballast system failure might have been due to a lack of operational understanding. “When the vessel listed to 26 degrees, there was a complete blackout due to failure of internal power generation. This virtually incapacitated all operations of the ship,” he explained.
Legal proceedings are underway, with the Kerala police considering filing a First Information Report to facilitate compensation claims. The state government has sought legal advice from the Advocate General, and an opinion is expected within two days. Geneva-based Mediterranean Shipping Company, the owner of the vessel, has been instructed to set up a claims desk to address compensation for affected parties, including fishermen whose livelihoods have been disrupted.
The incident has also raised questions about the adequacy of current maritime regulations and inspection regimes. While the MSC Elsa 3 complied with international norms, the government acknowledges the need for enhanced inspections to ensure vessel safety. The Directorate General of Shipping is responsible for implementing international conventions related to maritime safety and pollution prevention, including SOLAS and MARPOL 73/78.
The proposed policy to fix the lifespan of vessels aims to prevent similar incidents by phasing out older ships that may pose safety risks. The government is also considering stricter inspection protocols to ensure compliance with maritime norms. These measures are part of a broader effort to enhance maritime safety and environmental protection in Indian waters. Open URL