The Gujarat High Court has ordered the arrest of the foreign vessel MV Zheng He 3 (IMO 9264465), currently docked at Hazira Port, after PT Indofuels Limited filed an urgent plea over unpaid bunker fuel charges.
The bench of Justice Vaibhavi D. Nanavati passed the urgent order when the plaintiff’s counsel, Mr. Darshan Kabra assisted by Ms. Paurami Sheth, sought immediate circulation citing that the vessel was likely to sail from Indian waters soon after cargo operations. Recognizing the urgency, the Chief Justice granted special permission for the matter to be heard on a holiday.
Court filings show that Zhenghe Marine Shipping International Ltd., acting for MV Zheng He 3 and its owners, approached PT Indofuels in June 2024 for bunker fuel supply. Delivery was made at Port Klang on July 4, 2024, and duly acknowledged by the vessel’s chief engineer.
An invoice of USD 528,689.65 was raised on July 11, 2024, with 30 days credit and 2% monthly interest. However, despite a part-payment of USD 518,155.71 on August 14, 2024, a balance of USD 14,705.52 plus interest remained unpaid. A legal demand notice in July 2025 failed to secure payment, prompting the admiralty suit.
The High Court found that the plaintiff’s claim qualified as a maritime claim under the Admiralty Act, 2017. It issued a warrant of arrest for MV Zheng He 3, covering the vessel, hull, machinery, bunkers, and appurtenances. The order allows execution “at any time, including Sundays and holidays”, directing Hazira Port and Customs authorities to detain the vessel until further orders unless the owners deposit USD 30,235 (principal, interest, and legal costs) with further 2% monthly interest till realization.
The matter is returnable on August 18, 2025, with defendants allowed to approach the court earlier upon notice.
Case Details
Case Title: PT INDOFUELS LIMITED Versus MV ZHENG HE 3 (IMO 9264465)
Date: 16/08/2025
Counsel For Plaintiff: DARSHANKUMAR R KABRA
Read More: In GST, Only a Formal Order Brings Closure — Pre-SCN Payments Hold No Legal Finality: Supreme Court
