The Orissa High Court has mandated the arrest of the Jordanian vessel MV The Patron near Paradip Port following an admiralty suit initiated by Singapore’s JALDHI Overseas Pte Ltd. The company is seeking to recover approximately $202,000 (around ₹1.81 crore) due to alleged breaches in the charter agreement. The urgent matter was addressed by Justice M S Raman after concerns were raised that the vessel might soon depart Indian waters.
JALDHI Overseas claims the vessel was chartered to transport 75,000 metric tonnes of rock phosphate from Jordan to Paradip. However, an engine failure in August 2025 significantly reduced the ship’s speed, causing delays. Court documents reveal that the vessel’s speed dropped from the agreed 12.5 knots to just 7.98 knots, extending the journey from Khor Fakkan to Paradip to around 21.58 days, far exceeding the contractual timeframe of 8.58 days.
This delay has led to disputes regarding revised hire rates and additional costs. To ensure the cargo was discharged, JALDHI reportedly paid $182,000 under protest. During the hearing, the court confirmed that MV The Patron was approximately 5.95 nautical miles off Paradip and deemed the case a legitimate maritime claim. The court ordered the vessel’s detention while allowing cargo unloading to proceed, with further hearings scheduled for early January 2026.
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