India highlights Maritime Safety Concerns at IMO’s 110th Maritime Safety Committee in London
LONDON : India underscored critical maritime safety challenges during the opening session of the 110th Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) meeting of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), held in London. The Indian delegation presented a comprehensive statement detailing a series of recent maritime incidents off its western coast, urging urgent global action on container ship safety and the handling of hazardous cargoes.
The delegation highlighted two significant emergencies — the sinking of MSC ELSA 3 on May 25 and a major explosion aboard WAN HAI 503 in early June — both of which involved dangerous goods and required complex, multi-agency rescue operations by Indian authorities. A total of 42 crew members were involved across both incidents, with Indian agencies managing to rescue 42 seafarers and continuing operations for four still missing.
The IMO Secretary-General and delegations from China and Singapore expressed appreciation for India’s swift and coordinated response efforts, which included pollution control, containment of fires, and safeguarding coastal communities.
India further raised alarm over a rising trend in onboard fires caused by undeclared lithium-ion batteries. Two additional container ship incidents — Interasia Tenacity and WAN HAI 613 — involved deck fires traced back to such misdeclared cargoes. These incidents, India noted, present an escalating risk to seafarer lives, the marine environment, and public safety.
Calling for immediate and collective action, India urged the IMO and its member states to review and strengthen global regulations on packaging, stowage, declaration, and tracking of dangerous cargo, particularly lithium-ion batteries and plastic nurdles. “What is in a box can’t be a mystery anymore,” the Indian representative said, emphasizing the need for container shipping lines to adopt better technology and take greater accountability.
Despite the fact that these vessels were foreign-flagged and crewed by international seafarers, India reiterated its commitment to international cooperation and maritime safety, noting that its emergency response teams remain operational round-the-clock.
India’s statement concluded with a request to annex the remarks to the official report of the Committee, reaffirming its dedication to maritime safety, environmental protection, and the welfare of the seafaring community.
