Mys-Zhelaniya

The 'Mys Zhelaniya' has delivered military cargo to Libya after it berthed at the port of Tobruk on Jan 16, enroute from the Russian port of Baltiysk. The escort by a Project 1155 Udaloy-class anti-submarine warfare vessel indicated the high value of the cargo delivered, which was likely intended to support Russia’s “African Corps” in the region. Although Mys Zhelaniya concealed its destination port in navigation systems, the recorded route and prior intelligence confirmed that the unloading took place in Tobruk. At the same time, another sanctioned vessel, the 'Sparta IV', was heading toward the Syrian port of Tartus. was is a high probability that she was carrying military equipment too. Despite declaring the same destination, the vessels’ routes later diverged. Both vessels are owned by companies directly involved in advancing Russia’s military and energy ambitions. The 'Sparta IV' is owned by SK-Yug, a subsidiary of the sanctioned firm Oboronlogistika, which has specialised in supplying the Ministry of Defense of Russia. The 'Mys Zhelaniya' is owned by the major construction company Transstroy, which is also under sanctions. The company is a key player in implementing large-scale Russian energy projects in the Arctic and northern regions. Report with photos:; https://militarnyi.com/en/news/sanctioned-russian-ship-mys-zhelaniya-brings-military-cargo-to-libya/

As of Jan 9, the Russian convoy consisting of the 'MYS Zhelaniya' and 'Sparta IV' was south of the Portuguese coast. Officially, they were heading to the Egyptian port of Said, accompanied by the destroyer 'Severomorsk'. The 'Sparta IV' traditionally declares an Egyptian port, but its actual trajectory often leads to the Syrian port of Tartus, where a Russian military base is located. In the case of the 'MYS Zhelaniya', there were signs of possible interest in stopping in Libya. Report with photo: https://militarnyi.com/en/news/two-cargo-ships-escorted-by-russian-destroyer-severomorsk-were-spotted-off-the-coast-of-portugal/

In recent hours, a Russian convoy has been observed entering the Mediterranean Sea after transiting the English Channel around the turn of the year. The group consists of the Russian-flagged cargo vessels 'MYS Zhelaniya' and 'Sparta IV' (IMO: 9743033), coming from Kaliningrad, escorted by the destroyer RFS 'Severomorsk' (pennant number 619). The decision to escort the convoy all the way into the Mediterranean Sea, and not just through the English Channel, underlined the operational importance Moscow appeared to attach to this movement. The RFS 'Severomorsk' is currently the most significant Russian surface combatant deployed in the Mediterranean basin, and its use as a close escort was far from routine. Both cargo vessels were havin Port Said as their destination with an ETA as of Jan 19, 2026. However, Port Said frequently appears as a placeholder for ships intending to cross the Suez Canal or operate more broadly in the Eastern Mediterranean, and destinations can be altered at short notice. At this stage, it remained unclear whether the convoy will proceed toward Egypt, the Levant, or another Mediterranean port. What stands out is the escort itself. In previous years, similar Russian logistics movements — including those involving the Sparta-class vessels — were not always accompanied by a high-end naval combatant. The presence of the 'Severomorsk' was suggesting more cautious and militarised approach, likely driven by heightened tensions, increased surveillance, and the growing strategic value of maritime supply routes linking the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and beyond. The 'Severomorsk'’s role is not symbolic. Allocating such an asset to escort duties indicates that Russia is prioritising the security of select logistical flows, even at the cost of tying down scarce naval resources.

Sold for an undisclosed price to Russian buyers

In April 2019 the "BBC Orinoco" saved the German skipper of the Leopard 40 catamaran "Samsara" which was dismasted before sinkingduring a gale 200 miles southwest of the Bahamas. The catamaran, which had left the Bahamas five days earlier, was saved from destruction after Hurricane Irma. After several months of repairs, his new owner had planned to bring him back to Europe but the adventure ended earlier than expected. The skipper wanted to bring the boat back to Europe. In early April 2019, seeing a good weather window, he leaves Georgetown, Bahamas; direction Bermuda. But five days after the start of the crossing, the waeather deteriorated, and a wave of nearly 10 meters height dismasted it. A coastguard ship came to the rescue and embarked the crew mate. The skipper decided to separate the mast of the boat and navigate with engine to the port. But contrary to expectations, the weather changed the next night. The wind rose, gusting up to 50 knots, with waves of 6 to 8 meters. Unfortunately, the wind and the direction of the waves turned, so that he could no longer hold his course. There was water in the boat but that he was able to pump. Jointyl with the Coastguard, he decided to change course to have the wind and wavefrom astern until the weather calmed. But it became even worse, and the next morning, one engine broke down, and he could not fix it. With only one engine, it was now impossible to keep the course. The "Samsara" was hit several times by waves broadside and was threatened to capsize, filling up with more and more water. The Coastguard asked the "BBC Orinoco" to assist. When the skipper left his boat, it started to sink. French report with photos: https://voilesetvoiliers.ouest-france.fr/securite-en-mer/naufrage/sauve-in-extremis-apres-le-passage-d-irma-le-catamaran-restaure-coule-au-large-des-bahamas-b0c2bb54-76f7-11e9-8809-a3658dd41a18

On Nov 11, 2010, at 6 a.m., the "BBC Orinoco" with a crew of 14 was hijacked by pirates, being bound from Port Said to Singapore, 450 miles off Mumbai. The Indian Navy dispatched the "INS Delhi" and "INS Veer" which would take 12-14 hours to reach the vessel, so it also sent an 'Il 38 SD' aircraft which hovered over it until their arrival. In the morning of Nov 12 the "INS Delhi" reached the ship and Marine Commandoes boarded the "BBC Orinoco" from a Sea King helicopter. They freed the crew, which had locked themselves in the engine room and steering compartment, while the helicopter provided air borne fire support. After the attack they had communicated with agents at UK MTO Dubai who alerted Indian Navy for assistance. The pirates fled without damaging the vessel or hurting the crew. Implements such as crow bar and knives were found aboard the ship. The chartered vessel owned by Beluga Shipping and the crew of five from Ukraine and nine from Philippines were safe. The ship now resumed its voyage.