Bhavnagar: alleged theft by pirates at Alang ship recycling yard

Bhavnagar: Shree Ram Group director Mukesh Patel told the media that the pirates attacked on the intervening evening of Friday and Saturday.

Shree Ram Vessel Scrap Pvt Ltd (SRVSPL), a company within the Shree Ram Group responsible for recycling INS Viraat, has filed a police complaint regarding an alleged theft amounting to Rs 45 lakh by pirates from a giant container ship brought to the Alang ship recycling yard on the Bhavnagar coast.

Incident Details

According to the complaint lodged with the Alang Marine police station, the piracy incident occurred around 5 am on Saturday, targeting the DV Erica, an end-of-life container ship awaiting dismantling after being towed from Abu Dhabi. 

SRVSPL discovered two ropes hanging from the stern of the ship and subsequently found that significant equipment and materials were missing. 

Among the stolen items were a copper pipe weighing 1,200 kg, copper wire measuring 1,200 meters and weighing 5,500-6,000 kg, valves weighing 400-500 kg, bearings, and other electrical components, collectively valued at Rs 42 lakh to Rs 45 lakh.

Statement from Shree Ram Group Chairman

Mukesh Patel, chairman of the Shree Ram Group, disclosed that the piracy occurred during the night between Friday and Saturday. 

DV Erica, with a light weight tonnage of 30,200 metric tonnes, is the largest container ship brought to Alang for recycling. Built in South Korea in 2005, the vessel belonged to MSC, the world’s fourth-largest shipping company headquartered in Geneva.

Impact and Consequences

While the loss of valuable materials is significant, Patel emphasized the broader repercussions of such piracy incidents. He noted that incidents like these tarnish India’s reputation, particularly Alang, which has been making efforts to attract major shipping companies for recycling. 

Patel highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives in this regard, underlining the need to address piracy to maintain India’s credibility in the global shipping industry.

Conclusion

The alleged theft at the Alang ship recycling yard underscores the challenges faced in ensuring security and protection of vessels undergoing dismantling. 

As investigations proceed, authorities will need to address the issue of piracy to safeguard the reputation and integrity of India’s ship recycling industry, particularly in Alang.