Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Sonangol-Namibe

**Title: Explosion Breaches Tanker Near Khor Al Zubair Port** On March 5, 2026, the tanker 'Sonangol Namibe' encountered a significant incident while anchored off the coast of Iraq, specifically near the Khor Al Zubair LNG Terminal. At position 29° 34' N 048° 51' E, approximately 30 nautical miles southeast of Kuwait, the vessel was struck by a sudden explosion shortly after 01:20 a.m. local time. An unidentified small craft approached the 'Sonangol Namibe' from the port side moments before the blast occurred, leading to a breach in one of the ballast tanks and the subsequent loss of ballast water. Fortunately, the Bahamas-flagged tanker, which operates under the ownership of Angola’s state oil company Sonangol and is managed by Stena Bulk as part of the Stena Sonangol Suezmax Pool, remained afloat despite the damage sustained. As investigations into the cause of the explosion unfold, maritime authorities will be keen to determine the nature of the small vessel's approach and its implications for security in the region. *For updates and further developments on this incident, stay tuned.*

The "Sonangol Namibe" was boarded by 11 intruders in 5 boats during anchorage operations in pos. 17 37 05.4 N 083 19 12.0 E, at Visakhapatnam SPM anchorage on April 14, 2019, at 10 a.m. After the vessel had anchored the boats came alongside, threw a hook attached to a rope end onto the ship's railings and commenced boarding the tanker. The alarm was raised, the ship's horn was sounded, and the crew mustered on deck. The port authorities were also notified. The persons remained on deck and the crew prevented them from entering the accommodation area. They did not confront the crew but refused to leave the vessel. Finally, on seeing the approaching pilot boat, they left the vessel and fled the area. The tanker sailed from Visakhapatnam , on Apr 15 en route to Port-Gentil, Gabbon, ETA May 10.