Following the successful launch of a ship-to-ship bunkering service at Vizhinjam International Seaport, the Kerala Maritime Board (KMB) has initiated bunkering operations for vessels using coastal barges. Recently, the port completed a delivery of 120,000 liters of diesel to the Vietnam-flagged merchant vessel MT Solis from the coastal barge MT Genesis, marking a significant step in reducing reliance on foreign ports for fueling.
The MT Solis had been detained by the Mercantile Merchant Department since March 26 after a collision with the Indian fishing boat St Joseph on March 7, approximately 56-80 nautical miles off the Kerala-Tamil Nadu coast. Following the incident, the crew of the merchant vessel rescued nine Indian fishermen, while two others were reported missing.
Due to the extended detention at the KMB port, the vessel ran low on fuel and provisions, prompting the port authorities to facilitate the bunkering service. Prior to this, the vessel had also received necessary provisions. This marks the first instance of bunkering from a coastal barge at a KMB-owned port, which oversees around 17 non-major ports.
An investigation into the marine accident is ongoing under the Merchant Shipping Act. The vessel remains restricted from leaving the port without prior written consent from authorities, as it may be needed for further inquiries or evidence collection related to the incident.
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