Bulk Carrier WL PALEKH Detained in London Over Deficiencies

The Hong Kong-flagged bulk carrier WL PALEKH was detained in the Port of London on 31 Oct 2026 following a Port State Control inspection under the Paris MoU, which identified 24 deficiencies, four of which were detainable. The vessel, bearing IMO number 9674397 and with a gross tonnage of 24,199, is managed under the ISM Code by CACHALOT TECHNICAL SHIP MGMT. Details of the specific nature of the deficiencies have not been disclosed, but the number of detainable items indicates deficiencies serious enough to warrant the ship being held in port until corrective action is verified by inspectors. Port State Control inspections under the Paris MoU are conducted to verify that foreign-flagged vessels calling at member ports comply with international safety, environmental and labour conventions. Detention is imposed when deficiencies are assessed to pose a risk to the ship, crew, or the marine environment, and the vessel is barred from sailing until the issues are rectified and a follow-up inspection confirms compliance. The WL PALEKH will remain detained in London pending resolution of the outstanding deficiencies. No timeline for release has been provided, and further updates are expected once remedial work is completed and verified by Port State Control authorities.