A product tanker was boarded by pirates off the Nigerian coast, with the crew escaping unharmed. This incident highlights the ongoing threat of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea and West Africa, despite being the first reported in the area in years. Security services are urging caution as pirate activity continues to rise.
BIMCO and ASBA have updated ASBATANKVOY, the non-affiliated tanker form, to reflect changes in the industry since 1977. Developed with input from industry leaders, the 2025 edition includes updated provisions and arbitration venues to streamline the chartering process. The revised form aims to enhance legal certainty and reduce the need for additional rider clauses.
The successful transfer of jet fuel cargo from the damaged tanker Stena Immaculate has been completed, with preparations underway to bring the vessel into a UK port. The collision with the feeder ship Solong led to a fire, crew abandonment, and one missing crewmember presumed dead. Salvors are stabilizing the situation and conducting clean-up operations.
Family members of crewmembers abducted from the product tanker BITU River off the west coast of Africa are pleading for help. Ten crewmembers were taken by pirates while the vessel was en route to Cameroon. The families are seeking assistance from the Indian government to secure the safe return of their loved ones.
Residents near Pattaya City, Thailand were alarmed by a stranded gas tanker on the shore. Authorities confirmed no gas leak, as tanks were empty. The LPG carrier ran aground avoiding a fishing boat due to an employee’s negligence. SC Group Holding pledged stricter measures. Double-hull construction prevented significant damage, but concerns remain.
Germany recently seized a dilapidated tanker suspected to be part of Russia’s clandestine fleet evading oil sanctions. The Panama-flagged vessel, Eventin, carrying 100,000 metric tons of oil worth 40 million euros, was intercepted en route from Russia to Egypt. The German finance ministry refrained from detailed comments due to tensions with Russia over Ukraine.
Stena Bulk, owner of the Stena Immaculate oil tanker, is collaborating with Crowley and U.K. agencies after a collision with the container ship Solong. Salvage experts are assessing the damage, with only one cargo tank and one ballast tank affected. Despite losing Jet A-1 fuel, the crew’s quick actions limited further damage.
A fire on the Stena Immaculate oil tanker in the North Sea has been greatly reduced, with salvage operations beginning. The incident occurred when the container ship Solong struck the tanker. Crowley is working with U.K. agencies to support response efforts and mitigate environmental impact. Boskalis has been tasked with salvaging the tanker.
Global chemical tanker operator Odfjell is now using wind-assisted propulsion to reduce emissions. Their first sail installation on the Bow Olympus in Antwerp is being closely monitored for its impact on operations. VP Technology Erik Hjortland stressed the importance of real-time analysis. Odfjell plans to install more sails after validating results.
The damaged tanker Sounion, attacked by the Houthis off Yemen, successfully transited the Suez Canal. The operation, managed by Ambrey and Mega Tugs, offloaded 150,000 tons of crude oil in Greece. The Canal Authority oversaw the complex operation, highlighting the challenges of towing the heavily damaged vessel without steering control.
Finnish authorities have released the product tanker, Eagle S, after being detained for 53 days due to damage to undersea transmission cables. Three crew members are still held for investigation. The vessel was escorted out of Finnish waters to Port Said, Egypt. Authorities have rectified deficiencies on board and suggested sabotage as the cause.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) reported an unauthorized boarding of the Singapore-registered chemical tanker, Basset, outside Singapore territorial waters. One crew member was injured, prompting the vessel to anchor in Singapore waters. The ReCAAP ISC warned of increasing sea robberies in the Singapore Strait, with 21 incidents reported in January and February 2025.
France’s Mediterranean maritime authority successfully towed the disabled product tanker, Kriti Captain, to Marseille after an engine room fire. The Greek-operated tanker, carrying 25,000 tonnes of diesel fuel, docked in Port-la-Nouvelle for offloading and inspection. No injuries were reported, and the vessel’s safe arrival in Marseille marked a crucial step in the salvage operation.
Efforts to remove the grounded small tanker, the 5,000 dwt Sanwa Maru, have been suspended by the Japan Coastguard. The vessel ran aground at the southern end of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, on January 6. Initial reports indicated no injuries or damage to the vessel, but a 5-degree list to starboard prompted the evacuation of most of the crew.
Traffic in Turkey’s Bosphorus strait was disrupted by an engine failure on a northbound tanker. The Panama-flagged Cordelia Moon, bound for Russia, experienced the malfunction near Yenikoy. An assistance vessel was sent to aid. The incident halted traffic in the critical waterway, impacting global shipping. Efforts are underway to safely resolve the issue.
