Sri Lanka Seeks Compensation from MSC for Environmental Damage
Sri Lanka’s Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) has initiated talks with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company to seek compensation for the environmental damage caused by the recent MSC Elsa 3 casualty. While the government is contemplating legal action, MSC has reportedly acknowledged its responsibility during the ongoing discussions.
The containership sank in late May, southwest of Kerala on the Indian coast. Despite the distance from Sri Lanka, authorities have been clearing plastic beads (nurdles) from beaches daily, with debris washing ashore in locations like Jaffna, Kalpitiya, and Delft. The collected materials will serve as evidence for the compensation claim and potential insurance coverage.
As negotiations continue, reports indicate that plastic fragments, consumer goods, and debris believed to be from the MSC Elsa 3 have been spotted along Sri Lanka’s coastline, prompting the government to launch a coastal clean-up campaign.
India, too, has taken legal action against MSC for the casualty, with the impounding of the MSC Akiteta II and a $1.1 billion claim for damages, environmental restoration, and economic losses. Sri Lanka is drawing from the recent court ruling on the X-Press Pearl incident, where the shipping company was ordered to pay nearly $1 billion for environmental harm in the Indian Ocean.
While MSC’s lawyers have denied widespread environmental damage claims, both Sri Lanka and India are pushing for accountability and compensation for the impact of the maritime casualties. Sri Lanka’s efforts align with its commitment to protecting its marine ecosystem and holding responsible parties liable for environmental harm.