Read Authentic Ratings for the Pacific-01

In a remarkable display of maritime resilience, the tanker 'Fortis' has successfully arrived in Rizhao, China, with a remarkable cargo of Russian oil. This shipment, sold by the US-sanctioned energy behemoth Rosneft, embarked on an unusually protracted and complex route, characterized by an offshore STS transfer near India and a fleeting stop off the coast of South Korea. On December 9, 2025, the 'Fortis', laden with approximately 700,000 barrels of crude oil, anchored off the port of Rizhao at coordinates 35° 10' N 120° 31' E. Notably, the majority of the import berths at Rizhao have been blacklisted by the United States due to alleged connections to the Iranian oil trade. This 11-week journey highlights the logistical challenges and uncertainties imposed by US sanctions on Russia's oil exports, forcing buyers to navigate carefully to evade increased scrutiny from Washington. As of now, it remains uncertain if the 'Fortis' will proceed to unload its cargo at Rizhao. The cargo was initially transported by another tanker, the 'Ailana', which had gathered around 720,000 barrels from Ust-Luga in late September. This vessel journeyed through the Mediterranean and traversed the Suez Canal before anchoring off Mumbai for almost two weeks. During this time, the oil was transferred to the 'Fortis', which initially indicated a destination of Kochi but subsequently redirected to Ningbo and then Yeosu, where part of the shipment was further traded to a different tanker. Typically, transporting crude oil from Russia's western ports to China takes about two months; however, this particular Rosneft shipment experienced an additional month's delay before reaching its prospective unloading site.

In a significant maritime incident, the 'Pacific 01' tanker faced an attack from Yemeni Houthi insurgents in the Red Sea during the early hours of July 26, 2024. Fortunately, the crew aboard the vessel remained unharmed. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) initially reported that the tanker had sustained a missile strike near the port city of Hodeida. However, subsequent inspections conducted during daylight hours revealed no damage to the ship, allowing it to continue its journey. Furthermore, a private security firm, Ambrey, noted that the 'Pacific 01' had encountered a near miss incident with armed guards present just a day earlier, on July 25, in the Gulf of Aden along the Yemeni coast. Originally affiliated with Israeli ownership, the tanker transitioned to new ownership in February. It was previously operated by Eastern Pacific Shipping, a Singapore-based company that has frequently been a target of Houthi aggression. The firm is ultimately owned by Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer, linking it again to previous tensions in the region.

On December 13, 2017, at 8 p.m., the tanker 'Koro Sea' became the target of a brazen pirate attack in the Singapore Strait, just offshore from Changi Airport. The vessel was actively navigating eastward, making its way from Saudi Arabia to Yingkou, when four armed assailants, equipped with knives, boarded the ship. They infiltrated the engine room and physically attacked the duty oiler. Fortunately, the crew managed to raise the alarm, prompting the pirates to flee the scene with a haul of stolen engine spare parts. The duty oiler sustained minor injuries during the incident.

The third and final tanker from Korea Line, known as 'Blue Jasper,' is gearing up for a court auction in Hawaii this Thursday. Set against the backdrop of US waters, the minimum bid for this vessel has been established at $42.5 million, according to reports from Lloyd's List. This auction marks a significant event in maritime commerce as stakeholders prepare to bid on this notable tanker.