After the successful launch of the ship-to-ship bunkering service at the Vizhinjam International Seaport, reducing dependence on foreign ports for fuelling vessels, the port owned by the Kerala Maritime Board (KMB) has begun bunkering service to ships from coastal barges. The port has completed a 120KL (120,000 litres) diesel bunker delivery to a Vietnam-flagged merchant vessel, MT Solis, from coastal barge MT Genesis at Vizhinjam anchorage.

The Vietnam-flagged vessel was under the detention of the Mercantile Merchant Department from March 26 after it collided with the Indian fishing boat St Joseph in the Arabian Sea, approximately 56-80 nautical miles off the coast of Kerala-Tamil Nadu, on March 7. Nine Indian fishermen were rescued from the sea by the merchant vessel’s crew following a collision, while two were reported missing.

According to the authorities, the vessel ran out of fuel and provisions after the prolonged detention at the anchorage of the KBM port. Following this, the port authorities provided the bunkering service to the vessel. The supply of provisions to the vessel was provided earlier. This is the first bunkering service to ship from the coastal barge under a port owned by the KMB, which has around 17 non-major ports under its custody. 

Meanwhile, an investigation is under way under the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act into the marine accident off the coast of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Since the vessel may be required for further investigation, evidence collection, or inquiry, its early release may prejudice the investigation. The vessel has been instructed not to proceed to sea or leave the port without prior written permission from the authorities.