According to a recent report by The Times of India, the High Court of Odisha has ordered the detention of a Jordanian cargo ship named "Pateren" anchored near Paradip Port in response to a maritime lawsuit filed by the Singaporean company JALDHI Overseas Pte Ltd, seeking $202,000 (approximately 1.41 million RMB) in compensation from the ship's owner.

The court proceedings, presided over by Justice M.S. Raman, emphasized the urgency of the situation, expressing concerns that the cargo ship might swiftly leave Indian waters. JALDHI Overseas filed the lawsuit under the Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act of 2017, alleging breach of contract by the ship's owner.

JALDHI claimed they had chartered the "Pateren" for transporting 75,000 tons of phosphates from Jordan to Paradip. However, an engine breakdown in August 2025 led to a significant decrease in sailing speed, plummeting from the agreed 12.5 and 12 knots to approximately 7.98 knots, resulting in an extended voyage time of nearly 22 days.

The dispute involves adjusted charter rates and additional costs related to fuel and demurrage claims. In order to facilitate unloading, JALDHI Overseas stated that they paid $182,000 under protest.

The court deemed the matter falls under maritime claims and upheld JALDHI's plea. Justice Raman cited relevant legal provisions, stressing the urgency of the case, and ordered the detention of the "Pateren" cargo ship, clarifying that the litigation would not impede the unloading of cargo.

As the maritime dispute continues, a follow-up hearing is scheduled for early January next year.