The Tyche-I: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

In a significant legal move, the Federal Court of Canada has mandated the seizure of a substantial crude oil cargo—specifically, 721,915 barrels—originating from Kurdistan, which is currently aboard the oil tanker 'Neverland.' This order comes in response to a request made by the Iraq Oil Ministry, as detailed in court documents. Furthermore, the Iraq Oil Ministry has initiated legal proceedings against Vitol S.A., the commodity trading giant, along with its subsidiaries, including Mansel Ltd., the ship's charterer, and Finaval SpA di Navigazione, the vessel's owner. The total claim amounts to $32.5 million. Iraqi authorities assert that the crude oil was unlawfully appropriated by the Kurdistan Regional Government and subsequently sold to Vitol, leading to its loading onto the 'Neverland.' In a move reflecting its commitment to maritime business ethics, Vitol has opted not to issue a public statement regarding this issue.

The tanker 'Neverland', laden with Kurdish crude oil, has embarked on a voyage towards the United States, reviving a contentious oil trade that previously highlighted tensions between the Kurdish region of Iraq and the Iraqi federal government in Baghdad. Setting out from the Mediterranean Sea just two days ago, the 'Neverland' is typically known for transporting approximately 650,000 barrels of oil. Its journey commenced on June 13, 2017, when it departed from Ceyhan, a strategic port in southern Turkey used by the Kurdistan Regional Government for oil exports. As the vessel makes its way toward the U.S. East Coast, the crew has labeled its destination as 'for orders', all while maintaining a brisk pace of 13 knots. Notably, this is not the first attempt to ship Kurdish oil to the U.S., as a previous endeavor was thwarted by a court ruling in Texas that compelled a different tanker to change course. The resumption of this trade raises significant questions about international oil distribution and the ongoing geopolitical dynamics in the region.