VIKRAM NAYAK
VASCO
Unmanned and abandoned ships linked to controversies and incidents have not been uncommon in Goa in the last seven years and some vessels have remained stranded for years, leading to legal, financial, operational and environmental issues for agencies, companies and individuals alike.
Before the MV Nu-Shi Nalini, laden with 2,500 metric tonnes of naphtha, ran aground off Dona Paula on Friday, two other vessels, the MT Pratibha Bheema and MV Qing, had also remained unmanned and abandoned in Goan waters for years, causing several complications.
There have now been calls for the State government to draw a quick contingency plan for an effective and speedy resolution to tackle unmanned, abandoned ships in Goan waters.
“A quick contingency plan is vital as we have seen the State government struggling with abandoned, unmanned ships like MV River Princess, MT Pratibha Bheema and now with MT Nu-Shi Nalini. The MPT also had to struggle with MV Qing. These ships remain for 2-3 years, leading to legal battles till these vessels are moved out of Goa,” explained a retired captain.
“Shipping companies are going through a very sensitive time today and a reputed company could easily face financial issues, leading to unpaid crew, inadequate funds for repairs and eventually, abandoned ships.”
“The government must sit with different agencies, heads of ports (MPT, Captain of Ports) and draw a quick action plan to tackle such issues, to ensure these ships don’t remain for years. The government can use agencies like Marine Mercantile Department (MMD) for assistance as well,” said the captain.
A marine engineer pointed out to operational issues involving unmanned and abandoned ships.
“When these abandoned unmanned vessels remain in Goan waters, departments and agencies often blame each other over jurisdiction, leading to further complications.”
“The ship’s owners often wash their hands off when matters are in court, the state government or port demands huge charges for emergency works on the abandoned ship,” said a marine engineer on condition of anonymity.
“These legal tangles can drag for years till the matter is solved. But if a new contingency plan is available, the port may not have to wait for months with escalating dues. There can be quick coordination with the ship’s owner/management to assess the situation in hand. Besides, agencies can quickly clear hazardous waste on board the ship to avoid ecological disaster, to act on other aspects and take quick legal action,” explained the marine engineer.
Under the contingency plan, the marine engineer said a law could be formulated empowering the government to auction the abandoned ship if its owners don’t respond to queries within three months.
“Under this provision, the state government need not approach the courts and is empowered to auction off the ship and settle all dues,” the marine engineer added.
