Controversial MV Gala Cleared for Recycling at Alang
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The controversial passenger Ro-Ro ferry and cargo vessel MV Gala has finally reached the Alang ship recycling yard in Gujarat after the Gujarat High Court lifted its arrest, clearing the way for the vessel to be dismantled.
The Comoros-flagged ship had remained under arrest for about a week after entering Indian territorial waters due to a pending compensation claim arising from an earlier accident.
Following a settlement between the ship owners and the claimant, the High Court permitted the vessel to be beached at Alang for recycling.
Why was MV Gala arrested?
According to Indian maritime law, foreign vessels facing international claims over unpaid dues or damages can be arrested once they enter Indian territorial waters.
In MV Gala's case:
The ship entered Indian waters for recycling at Alang.
A pending compensation claim led to its arrest.
A 47-year maritime journey ends
Built in Poland in 1979, the vessel was originally named Galaxy.
During nearly five decades of service, it operated passenger and vehicle ferry services between several countries, including Poland, Sweden, United Kingdom, and Albania.
Before being retired, the ferry could carry approximately:
900 passengers
260 cars
What happens at Alang?
With legal formalities completed, MV Gala has begun its final journey at the Alang ship recycling yard.
The dismantling process is expected to recover high-quality steel, machinery, electrical equipment, furniture, and other reusable materials.
