SHIPPING DESK:
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – The recent sinking of the Liberian-flagged container ship MSC Elsa-3 off the coast of Kerala on May 25 has raised serious concerns over global maritime safety standards and potential environmental risks.
According to Captain Naveen Singhal, a Singapore-based marine and management consultant and a registered expert with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the disaster may have been triggered by improper container loading and stability mismanagement.
“The vessel began listing to its starboard side on Saturday, which is often a sign of stability issues,” said Captain Singhal. “A common but dangerous practice is incorrect container weight declaration. Shippers sometimes under-declare container weights to cut freight costs. What’s mentioned in the cargo manifest often doesn’t reflect reality, and that can result in a top-heavy load, making vessels vulnerable to capsizing.”
He noted that this problem is not limited to Asia. “This is a global issue, seen in Europe and the US as well. Even though container cranes (gantries) can weigh each load, the speed of loading operations—roughly one container per minute—makes it difficult to verify every shipment,” he explained. “Eventually, the solution lies in full automation, where inaccuracies are detected in real time. Unfortunately, such systems are still lacking.”
Environmental Impact
Captain Singhal also addressed concerns about the environmental consequences of the incident. The vessel was reportedly carrying calcium carbide, a chemical that reacts with water to produce acetylene gas.
“Since the ship has sunk in deep waters, any chemical reaction is likely to occur far below the surface, with minimal surface impact. Acetylene gas may bubble up but is unlikely to cause major surface pollution,” he said.
However, the situation remains fluid. “Six to eight containers have washed ashore, and some of them reportedly contain hazardous cargo. The exact nature of these materials is yet to be confirmed, and they could vary in toxicity and environmental risk.”
Insurance and Responsibility
On the issue of liability and response, Captain Singhal said the situation will be handled through the vessel’s insurance arrangements. “Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance, provided by P&I clubs, covers third-party damages, including environmental pollution. The vessel’s hull and machinery are insured by marine insurers, while cargo owners are responsible for their own cargo insurance,” he clarified.
The Director General of Shipping (DG Shipping), the Indian maritime regulatory body, will oversee the incident response. The Cochin office is currently leading the post-incident monitoring and coordination. Since the incident occurred within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the Indian government will play a key role in initiating a formal investigation, to be conducted by the vessel’s flag state, Liberia.
The incident has underscored the urgent need for enhanced regulatory oversight, global standardisation, and investment in technology to improve safety and accountability in the shipping industry.
Follow BusinessToday24.com for ongoing updates on the MSC Elsa-3 investigation and expert insights into maritime safety challenges worldwide.
