Sailors Accuse Indian Port Officials of Rampant Corruption, Looting Ship Supplies
Published: 2025-09-11T06:43:36+00:00
Summary
Multiple sailors and viral videos allege that officials at several Indian ports routinely demand bribes and seize crew provisions when vessels dock. Claims include officers boarding ships and taking items from provision and bond stores — frozen chicken, coffee, biscuits, alcohol, cigarettes and even milk packets — sometimes demanding cash or that goods be “sent” to senior officers.
Seafarers singled out ports including Kakinada, Gujarat and Mumbai. The accusations revive earlier findings by the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) and probes by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) that have flagged bribery and in-kind demands. Regulatory steps such as mandatory body cameras introduced in 2023 have not, according to sailors, ended the practice. MACN warns refusals can lead to threats of delays and has set up a multilingual 24×7 helpline for reporting incidents.
Source
Key Points
- Sailors have posted videos and social-media reports alleging port officials loot ship supplies and demand bribes at multiple Indian ports.
- Reported stolen items include food, beverages, cigarettes and alcohol; some sailors say cash is also solicited.
- Ports named in accounts include Kakinada, Gujarat and Mumbai, but sailors say the problem is widespread.
- MACN and past CBI enquiries have previously flagged similar corruption; body cameras were mandated in 2023 but complaints persist.
- MACN warns that refusing demands can result in vessel delays or penalties and operates a 24×7 multilingual helpline for reporting.
- Industry stakeholders warn that persistent corruption risks India’s reputation as a reliable maritime hub and could affect trade volumes.
Context and Relevance
Thousands of vessels call at Indian ports daily, carrying trade worth billions. Allegations of petty theft and bribery strike at crew welfare, operational predictability and supply-chain trust. For shipping companies and freight stakeholders, even small delays or losses at port can ripple into insurance, routing and commercial risk assessments. Regulators, port operators and industry bodies face pressure to show effective enforcement beyond measures introduced in 2023.
Why should I read this?
Because if you move goods by sea — or employ seafarers — this directly hits your bottom line and reputation. Crew supplies being taken or money being extorted means delays, extra costs and headaches for shipping planners. Short version: sailors say it’s happening, past probes back up the claim, and industry steps are being taken — so it’s worth knowing what risks could affect your voyages or contracts.