Sti-Bosphorus

The Crowley Stena Marine Solutions, the joint venture between Crowley and Stena Bulk, has received US permission for a replacement of the damaged tanker 'Stena Immaculate' (IMO: 9693018) in the frame of the US’s Tanker Security Program, which is administered by the Maritime Administration (MARAD) to transport fuel supplies for the U.S. Department of Defense. The MARAD has approved operating the 'CS Anthem', the former 'STI Bosphorus', under the program in order to advance the nation’s strategic sealift capabilities, strengthening U.S. maritime security and providing reliable, U.S.-crewed tanker capacity in support of national defense. The new vessel is largely a swap with the same characteristics as the 'Stena Immaculate'. The CS Anthem had been operating for India’s Scorpio. The tanker was recently transferred to the U.S. flag from the Marshall Islands and now has a homeport of Jacksonville, Florida. Crowley is responsible for crewing and managing the tanker under a bareboat charter through the joint venture. The company also manages the 'Stena Imperative' and 'Stena Impeccable' in the Tanker Security Program. The 'Stena Immaculate' remained berthed in Great Yarmouth ifor the time being.

In the morning of March 5, 2020, the 'STI Bosphorus' was approached by suspicious boats 50 miles WSW of the attack position of the cargo m/v 'Minerva Virgo' 44 nautical miles south of Cotonou in the Gulf of Guinea. It could have involved the same type of pirate attackers. The tanker with armed guards on board had sailed from Lagos on March 4.