The Chennai Port Trust (ChPT) has sought the permission of director general (Shipping) to auction the stranded vessel, MV OSM Arena, to recover its dues of over Rs.2.32 crore.
Currently, the Korean vessel with single anchor is berthed in ChPT’s Jawahar Dock as a precautionary step to prevent it from colliding with other incoming vessels in view of the forthcoming monsoon.
The vessel has been anchored here since February 2010 as cases have been filed by different parties against the owners in Calcutta and Madras High Courts to recover their dues.
It may be recalled that OSM Arena lost one of its anchors when it was hit by cyclone Thane in December 30, 2011 and the vessel was pushed towards the shore. ChPT officials salvaged it by anchoring it 3.5 miles from the coast and at a depth of 22 meters.
As on date, ChPT has been claiming the amount for the rescue services provided during Cyclone Thane; pilotage charges for bringing it inside the port and anchorage charges from February 11, 2010. The daily berthing charges is about Rs. 93,000.
According to the sources, ChPT approached the Calcutta High Court to recover its dues. ChPT was asked to recover it as per law and hence the vessel was docked in JD-6.
As the owners failed to settle the claim, arrangements are being made to recover it by auctioning it after obtaining due permission.
Fourteen Myanmar sailors on the board are in distress condition as the vessel owner had abandoned it a long time ago and the vessel ran out of all supplies.
Currently, they are being provided medical facilities and other support services by the representatives of International Transport Workers Federation, Seafarers’ Club, Chennai and Sailor Helpline.
DG Shipping is yet to give its nod for the auctioning of the vessel.
Meanwhile, ChPT has decided to carry out revaluation of the ship as it was lying in the anchorage for more than a year.
