In a dramatic turn of events at the Orissa High Court on Monday, Justice V. Narasingh ordered the arrest of the foreign vessel MV Magnet Team docked at Paradip Port. The order came after Silk Road Shipping and Chartering Ltd., a Cuttack-based maritime company, sought urgent intervention alleging a breach of a charter agreement worth over ₹2.11 crore.
The matter, though not listed for the day, was taken up "by way of special notice" considering the urgency, as the ship was reportedly preparing to sail from Indian waters.
Background
The case stems from a charter party dispute between Silk Road Shipping and Chartering Ltd. and the vessel MV Magnet Team (IMO: 9233507). The company claimed that the ship's operators had violated terms under the Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017, specifically Section 4(1)(h), which deals with claims arising out of charter contracts.
According to the petition, a Holds Inspection Certificate dated August 19, 2025, conducted in the presence of the vessel’s master, indicated issues that led to significant commercial loss. The plaintiff demanded ₹2,11,82,656 along with 12% annual interest until recovery.
Court's Observations
Justice Narasingh observed that a prima facie case existed for the arrest of the vessel, noting that the plaintiff’s claim fell squarely within the admiralty jurisdiction.
"Unless the order of arrest is passed, the cause of the plaintiff will be frustrated," the judge remarked, adding that the vessel was "likely to leave Paradip Port in course of the day."
The bench also directed the plaintiff to deposit the deficit court fee by November 3, 2025, warning that failure to do so would result in the automatic dismissal of the suit.
Decision
The Court admitted the suit and ordered the arrest of the vessel MV Magnet Team at Paradip Port. It clarified that the ship’s cargo was independent of the claim and could be unloaded as per port norms.
The plaintiff was granted liberty to serve the arrest order through fax, email, or hand delivery within 24 hours, and also to intimate the Paradip Port Authority immediately due to the vessel’s imminent departure.
With that, the Court disposed of the interim application, marking a significant move under India’s evolving admiralty law framework.
Case Title: SILK ROAD SHIPPING AND CHARTERING LTD., Cuttack v. MV MAGNET TEAM (IMO: 9233507)
