Cameroon-flagged Oil Tanker Detained Off Odisha for Unpaid Fuel Dues
Crude tanker detained off Odisha coast over unpaid bunker fuel dues
Business Standard
Image: Business Standard
The Cameroon-flagged oil tanker MT Unity has been detained off Paradip, Odisha, due to unpaid bunker fuel dues exceeding ₹4 crore (approximately $483,000 USD). The Orissa High Court ordered the arrest following a suit by UAE-based Tresta International FZE, which supplied fuel to the vessel under a sales agreement.
- 01MT Unity was detained in Paradip, Odisha, for unpaid bunker fuel dues.
- 02The total outstanding amount exceeds ₹4 crore (approximately $483,000 USD).
- 03The arrest was ordered by the Orissa High Court in an admiralty suit.
- 04Tresta International FZE, the fuel supplier, initiated legal action to secure its claim.
- 05The vessel will remain under detention until further court orders.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The oil tanker MT Unity, registered under the Cameroon flag, has been detained in Paradip waters, Odisha, due to alleged unpaid bunker fuel dues exceeding ₹4 crore (approximately $483,000 USD). The Orissa High Court issued the arrest order on May 11, following a legal dispute initiated by UAE-based Tresta International FZE, which supplied very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) to the vessel earlier this year. The court's decision was prompted by concerns that allowing the vessel to sail would undermine the purpose of the legal suit. The tanker had entered Paradip Port on May 9 and completed its discharge operations before the arrest warrant was executed. Local police, in conjunction with judicial authorities, enforced the detention order, ensuring the vessel remains anchored until further instructions from the court. The next hearing is scheduled for May 20, where the owner of MT Unity is expected to appear.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The detention of the tanker could affect local maritime operations and trade, especially concerning oil supply to Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL).
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Should stricter regulations be implemented for maritime fuel supply agreements?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.



