X-Press Feeders has criticized the Sri Lanka Supreme Court’s ruling for a $1 billion payment regarding the X-Press Pearl incident. The company claims the judgment unfairly blames them, highlighting failures by local authorities and a lack of timely action. They argue the ruling undermines international maritime law and sets a troubling precedent.
The captain of the Hong Kong-registered container ship New Polar Bear, Wan Wenguo, appeared in a Hong Kong court without legal representation, facing charges of criminal damage to a natural gas pipeline and telecommunications cables. The case has been postponed to allow the prosecution to gather further evidence.
The Southampton Crown Court in the UK recently handed down sentences to the master of a North Sea cargo ship and the company operating the vessel for their roles in a fatal accident in 2021. The master admitted to failing to operate the ship safely, while the company was found guilty of operating its ships unsafely.
In a groundbreaking ruling, a court in India has sentenced eight Pakistani nationals to 20 years in prison for smuggling 232 kg of heroin. The judge emphasized the severity of the offense and rejected pleas for leniency. This case highlights the collaborative efforts to combat drug trafficking and uphold maritime jurisdiction.
A court in Batam, Indonesia postponed the trial in a case involving a tanker caught in illegal activities. The master of the vessel disappeared before the session, adding complexity to the case. Ownership of the tanker, suspected of smuggling Iranian oil, remains disputed. The vessel faces potential seizure and auction, while the crew’s fate and pending charges hang in the balance.
