The Kerala government has filed a lawsuit against the Switzerland-based Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), demanding $1.1 billion in damages. The state accuses the company of causing severe environmental damage after one of its container vessels, the MSC ELSA3, capsized and leaked fuel into the Arabian Sea in May 2025.
High Court Orders Detention of Another MSC Ship
Following the legal action, the Kerala High Court issued an order on Monday directing port authorities to arrest, seize, and detain another MSC vessel currently anchored at Vizhinjam Port. The court has asked MSC to provide security equal to the compensation amount before the detained ship can be released.

Fuel Leak and Hazardous Cargo Spill
On May 25, the Liberia-flagged MSC ELSA3, en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi, capsized off Kerala’s coast. The vessel released oil and cargo into the sea, some of which was reportedly hazardous. The Kerala government stated in its court filing that this incident caused “massive pollution” in the marine ecosystem, impacting fisheries, coastal livelihoods, and public health.
State Response to the Crisis
In response to the spill, the state government issued warnings to local fishing communities and advised them not to venture into the sea. Additionally, financial and food relief was distributed to over 1 lakh families dependent on the fishing industry who were affected by the disruption.
Cleanup Efforts and Lack of Response
The Indian government had earlier stated that MSC appointed a marine services company to manage the oil removal and environmental cleanup. However, MSC has not yet responded publicly to the lawsuit or to media requests for comments regarding the Kerala government’s compensation demand.
Kerala’s legal action marks a rare and high-profile environmental case in India, highlighting the serious consequences of marine accidents on coastal ecosystems and communities.