Authorities in Vizhinjam, Kerala, have charged the captain of the Panama-flagged chemical tanker Solis after it collided with the Indian trawler St Joseph in the Arabian Sea. The incident resulted in significant damage to the trawler, which sank quickly. Nine crew members from St Joseph were rescued.
The Greek-operated oil tanker Shenlong Suezmax has safely navigated the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting ongoing commercial activity despite rising tensions from the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran. Carrying Saudi crude to Mumbai, it updates its position amidst threats from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, who claim the strait is closed to vessels.
A significant explosion on a tanker off Kuwait’s coast has resulted in an oil spill, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The incident, reported by the captain, occurred outside territorial waters, raising environmental concerns. Amid escalating US-Iran-Israel tensions, shipping giant Cosco has suspended services to the Gulf.
Belgium has imposed a €10 million bail on the seized Russian oil tanker Ethera, linked to a “shadow fleet” operating under false flags. The vessel faces 45 violations and can only resume operations after the bail is paid and compliance is confirmed, amid efforts to enforce EU sanctions against Russia.
Recent strikes by the U.S. and Israel on Iran have caused major disruptions in global shipping, particularly in the critical Strait of Hormuz. The Joint Maritime Information Center has declared the threat level as CRITICAL, leading to attacks on commercial vessels and halting over 80% of transits, significantly affecting oil markets.
A Palau-flagged oil tanker, the Skylight, under U.S. sanctions, was attacked near Oman’s Musandam peninsula, injuring four crew members. The incident, occurring close to the vital Strait of Hormuz, follows prior drone strikes, signaling escalating tensions in the region amid retaliatory actions by Iran against U.S.-Israeli initiatives.
V. has partnered with Silk Searoad Maritime S.A. to manage their fleet of eight vessels, enhancing operational efficiency. This collaboration leverages V.’s expertise in ship management, focusing on crew welfare, safety, and performance optimization. Additionally, Silk Searoad gains access to competitive purchasing power through V.’s marine services.
French authorities have allowed the oil tanker GRINCH to leave after the owning company paid a significant fine. This measure aims to enforce sanctions against Russia, preventing it from financing military activities. The GRINCH, suspected of facilitating oil exports, had been detained in the Mediterranean near Marseille.
U.S. forces have intercepted the sanctioned oil tanker VERONICA III in the Indian Ocean, intensifying efforts against the shadow fleet transporting illicit Venezuelan oil. This marks the ninth vessel seized in a campaign extending from the Caribbean to the Indo-Pacific, highlighting a significant commitment to enforcing maritime sanctions globally.
U.S. forces intercepted the sanctioned tanker Aquila II in the Indian Ocean after a lengthy pursuit spanning over 10,000 nautical miles. This operation underscores the U.S. commitment to enforcing sanctions against vessels linked to Russia and Venezuela, marking a significant move in maritime law enforcement efforts.
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released its report on the April 25, 2024, collision between the crude oil tanker Apache and the trawler Serinah in the Firth of Clyde. Both vessels failed to adhere to collision prevention regulations, resulting in Serinah sinking rapidly, though all crew members were unharmed.
A Zodiac Maritime tanker, Horten, rescued a Belgian rower after his boat, City of Liverpool, capsized in the Atlantic Ocean during the World’s Toughest Row Race. The rower, caught in 13 to 15-foot seas, deployed his life raft. The crew located and saved him after nearly 24 hours in distress.
On Wednesday night, the US Coast Guard Sector San Juan and the crew of the Liberian-flagged tanker Horten rescued 47-year-old Benoit Bourguet, who capsized during the World’s Toughest Row Race. After deploying his life raft and activating his emergency beacon, Bourguet was found dehydrated but safe after nearly 24 hours at sea.
The oil tanker Qendil, part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” ran aground near Turkey’s Bozcaada island while empty. The Turkish Directorate General of Coastal Safety dispatched tugboats for assistance. This incident follows a drone attack by Ukraine, marking the country’s intensified efforts against Russia’s oil infrastructure amidst ongoing sanctions.
On December 30, an oil vessel was detained in Selangor’s waters for allegedly anchoring without permission. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) reported the vessel’s apprehension, revealing that while the crew had valid IDs, the captain lacked authorization documents. An arrest warrant was issued, highlighting the need for compliance with maritime regulations.
