What Crew Members Say About Sakhalin

On September 17, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, leveled serious allegations against Russia, accusing the nation of undermining U.N. sanctions aimed at North Korea. Haley stated that the U.S. possesses evidence illustrating extensive and repeated violations by Russia. In her remarks, she emphasized that the U.S. has monitored approximately 148 incidents this year where oil tankers facilitated fuel deliveries to North Korea through illicit ship-to-ship transfers on the high seas, thereby flouting U.N. restrictions. While she did not provide exact numbers on the transfers involving Russian support, the situation remains troubling. Among the vessels implicated is the general cargo ship BOGATYR, registered under IMO 9085730, with a deadweight tonnage of 5,204. Built in 1996, the ship operates under the Russian flag and is owned by JSC Gudzon, based in Vladivostok.

In a maritime incident that took place on January 1, 2018, the cargo vessel m/v 'Ryonyong' was involved in an allision with the berthed ship 'Bogatyr' while maneuvering away from berth 44 in Vladivostok. The freighter, registered under the Russian flag, incurred damage primarily to its portside stern, resulting in dents and scratches. Following the incident, the 'Ryonyong' returned to the Femsta General Cargo terminal for necessary repairs. This accident serves as a reminder of the potential hazards faced in busy ports such as Vladivostok.