Larko Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On September 17, 2022, the oil tanker 'Larko' experienced a critical incident at the Guaraguao Oil Terminal in Puerto. At approximately 08:30 AM local time, the vessel broke free from her moorings while engaged in gasoline loading operations. This moment was exacerbated by a simultaneous rupture of a cargo hose, which ignited a fire shortly afterward. Quick action from nearby tugs ensured the 'Larko' was safely escorted to the port's outer anchorage, where emergency crews successfully contained the blaze within 40 minutes. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during this incident. For further details and footage, please visit: https://maritimedanmark.dk/?Id=49223

The tanker 'Hansa Prem', which was at risk of seizure, has been set free following a ruling from the Kerala High Court. The vessel had an outstanding payment of 78 Lakh rupees owed to Colombo Dockyard PLC in Sri Lanka for repair services provided on February 11, 2020. In light of a warrant issued by the High Court of Kerala, the owners of 'Hansa Prem' promptly submitted the overdue amount to the court, seeking the vessel's release. Ultimately, the court granted their request, allowing the ship to resume operations.

In a significant legal development, the Kerala coastal police have issued a formal notice to both the captain and owner of the tanker 'Hansa Prem', which is now under the threat of arrest due to a directive from the high court. The vessel is prohibited from departing the Kerala coastline until further notice. This legal measure was enacted on February 11, 2020, following a petition from Colombo Dockyard PLC, a prominent company based in Sri Lanka. The petition alleges that the owner of ‘Hansa Prem’ failed to settle a substantial sum of Rs 78 lakh for maintenance work performed on the vessel. The petitioner's request to the court was clear: to restrain the tanker from leaving the coastal waters until the owed amount is deposited in the court registry. The Cochin Port authorities expressed their inability to facilitate the arrest since 'Hansa Prem' has been anchored beyond their jurisdiction. In response to the situation, the high court subsequently mandated the coastal police to oversee the ship's arrest. The tanker, which is registered in Mumbai, had arrived at the Kerala coast with the intention of refueling at Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL). Currently, the vessel is anchored approximately 13.5 nautical miles offshore, located at coordinates 09° 51.31' N 076° 2.68' E. Notably, India's jurisdiction extends only up to 12 nautical miles from the coastline, within which any vessel is required to pay docking fees to Cochin Shipyard. To circumvent these fees, 'Hansa Prem' has been strategically anchored in the international maritime channel.