Wind Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

In a concerning maritime incident, the oil tanker 'Wind' was attacked while navigating the Red Sea on May 18, 2024, shortly after midnight. The vessel, which was transporting oil from Novorossyisk to China, was approximately 98 miles south of Al Hudaydah when it encountered an unknown object that resulted in damage. Fortunately, the crew aboard the 'Wind' remained uninjured, and despite sustaining minor damage, the tanker continued its journey toward the next scheduled port. Prior to the incident, the 'Wind' successfully passed through the Suez Canal on May 12-13, with the last recorded AIS signal indicating its position in the midst of the Red Sea. The attack specifically affected the tanker’s propulsion and steering systems; however, the crew quickly implemented repairs, allowing the vessel to sail under its own power. Reports from Ambrey noted that while the steering gear experienced a fire, an alternate steering unit remained operational, enabling the crew to maintain control. The 'Wind', identified as part of the so-called Dark Fleet, previously operated under the alias “King” in Venezuela. Registered in Panama currently, the tanker switched flags from Comoros in 2022 and returned to its Panama registration in 2023 after a brief period under a different flag in 2021. This incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding security in vital shipping routes.

In a landmark transaction, the vessels HEYDAR ALIYEV, ZARIFA ALIYEVA, SHAH DENIZ, ABSHERON, GUNESHLI have been sold en bloc to Socar-ASM LLC. This strategic acquisition, finalized in Baku, Azerbaijan, showcases the country's growing maritime capabilities and competitive edge in the industry. With the integration of these key assets, Socar-ASM LLC is poised to enhance its operations in the Caspian Sea region, making waves in the sector. The sale underscores Azerbaijan's vital role in maritime commerce and its commitment to expanding its fleet capabilities.

In a recent statement to the Maritime Bulletin, Palmali Shipping Services, based in Istanbul, addressed significant concerns following an incident involving their tanker, the MV Baku. The National Oil Corporation (NOC) of Libya claimed that the Libyan navy had intervened to prevent the MV Baku from docking at the port of Es-Sider, alleging the vessel was involved with unauthorized groups in the smuggling of crude oil. Palmali firmly rejected these accusations, categorizing them as completely baseless. The MV Baku was chartered to load 80,000 tons of crude oil at a designated safe port within Libya for delivery to an Eastern Mediterranean destination. On Friday, the NOC officially named Es-Sider as the loading site. However, the situation escalated on Saturday when officer Abdulbaset O. Zarti communicated a message designating Es-Sider as a 'force majeure port,' leading Palmali to order the vessel to remain in international waters instead of proceeding to the port. The shipping company swiftly notified the charterers of this update, requesting an alternative loading location, while also informing the NOC of their compliance to stay in international waters pending further instructions. On Sunday afternoon, the vessel was approached by a Libyan naval vessel, which forcefully directed it towards Misurata under threat of gunfire. Palmali maintained communication with NOC representatives during a tense four-hour standoff, clarifying that the MV Baku would not head to Es-Sider. Subsequently, Libyan authorities were asked for a written assurance that the vessel would be allowed to sail to Malta, which they provided. Unfortunately, the promise solidified during their discussions was not honored, as the Libyan naval vessel continued to menace the MV Baku and even discharged warning shots in a bid to redirect the tanker. In response to the escalating threat, the ship's captain decided to navigate towards Malta at full speed to evade further unlawful intimidation from the Libyan forces. Palmali characterized these events as deeply regrettable, emphasizing the blatant violation of international maritime law by Libyan authorities.