According to a report by The Hindustan Times, in May 2025, the owner of the sunken container ship "MSC Elsa III" near Kerala has deposited a security bond of 12.276 billion rupees (approximately 9.5 billion RMB) with the Kerala High Court, leading to the release of its sister ship, "MSC Akiteta II".

A representative of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) mentioned that this amount was provided to the Kerala High Court in mid-December 2025 in the form of a bank guarantee. Consequently, the container ship "MSC Akiteta II" was promptly released.

Previously, the court had ordered the detention of the "MSC Akiteta II" container ship at the Vizhinjam Port due to its connection to the sinking of the "MSC Elsa III".

On December 4, 2025, the Kerala High Court approved a modification allowing Standard Chartered Bank to issue the bank guarantee instead of the initially designated Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited. Subsequently, the funds from the Mediterranean Shipping Company were deposited with the court.

Local reports indicate that on July 7, 2025, the legal dispute began when authorities demanded the shipowner of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) to provide a security deposit of 953.1 billion rupees (approximately 94 billion RMB) for environmental damage compensation resulting from the sunken ship.

However, after deliberation, this amount was later adjusted to 12.276 billion rupees (approximately 9.5 billion RMB); this sum could still increase if new evidence arises.

The state government has filed a claim against the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) for a total of 953.1 billion rupees (approximately 94 billion RMB) seeking compensation for the losses incurred due to the maritime disaster and its environmental impact. This includes substantial amounts specifically allocated for restoring the marine ecosystem and compensating local fishermen affected by oil spills and cargo losses.

The case is scheduled for further hearing in the court of Justice M.A. Abdul Hakim on February 13.

On May 25th of last year, the container ship "MSC Elsa III" capsized near Kerala, triggering serious concerns regarding maritime safety regulations and environmental protection measures in the coastal shipping operations of India.

Officials noted that the vessel was carrying at least 643 containers at the time of the sinking, posing a threat not only to marine life but also disrupting the local economy reliant on fishing activities along the coast of Kerala, as reported by The Hindu.