Pathfinder

The European Union has adopted its newest sanctions package on Dec 16, 2024, at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting, adding 52 new vessels, among them the 'Pathfinder', to the sanctions list that have been deemed by the EU to be supporting Russia’s war machine. The vessels that have been sanctioned are primarily involved in circumventing the oil price cap mechanism implemented by the West, in arms deliveries, and in the transportation of stolen grain. This latest package has brought the total number of vessels sanctioned by the EU to 79. The majority of the vessels are involved in the transport of Russian oil and in transporting arms for the Russian military. The sanctions package also targets a total of 54 individuals and 30 entities that are deemed to be bolstering Russia’s war effort. Among them, there are also entities and individuals in China and North Korea who have been deemed to be supplying Russia with dual-use materials to support Russia’s military efforts. Two senior North Korean officials and seven Chinese individuals and companies have been targeted in the latest sanctions. The purpose of the sanctions has been defined to increase the operational costs for Russia by banning them from ports in the EU and hindering them from receiving maritime services.

A group of armed robbers boarded on April 12, at 00:25 (GMT) the product tanker SCF Provider at offshore anchorage of the port of Lome (Togo Republic), the SCF Group press service said. After receiving the emergency call, the Coast Guard fended off the attack and cleared the ship from the attackers. During the attack the crew according to the instructions sheltered in a specially equipped room, SCF said. According to available information, none of the crew-members was injured, the cargo is safe. No significant damage to marine systems caused, the ship is sea-going and is currently continuing cargo operations, the report said.