Recovery of rates and charges by distraint of vessel

Section 31 of the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021 deals with recovery of rates and charges by distraint of vessel. If the master of any vessel in respect of which any rates or penalties are payable under this Act, or under any regulations or orders made in pursuance thereof, refuses or neglects to pay the same or any part thereof on demand, the Board on its own or on request of the concessionaire appointed by th The Act came into force on 03 Nov 2021.

(1) If the master of any vessel in respect of which any rates or penalties are payable under this Act, or under any regulations or orders made in pursuance thereof, refuses or neglects to pay the same or any part thereof on demand, the Board on its own or on request of the concessionaire appointed by the Board under the Public Private Partnership project, may distrain or arrest such vessel and the tackle, apparel and furniture belonging thereto, or any part thereof, and detain the same until the amount so due to the Board or such concessionaire, together with such further amount as may accrue for any period during which the vessel is under distraint or arrest, is paid.

(2) In case any part of the said rates or penalties, or of the cost of the distress or arrest, or of the keeping of the same, remains unpaid for the space of fifteen days next after any such distress or arrest has been so made, the Board on its own or on request of such concessionaire may cause the vessel or other thing so distrained or arrested to be sold, and, with the proceeds of such sale, shall satisfy such rates or penalties and costs, including the costs of sale remaining unpaid, rendering the surplus (if any) to the master of such vessel on demand.

Section 31, The Major Port Authorities Act, 2021 (Act 1 of 2021).