The 'Vladimir Latyshev' has been stuck in the port of Saint-Malo since March 2022, when it docked to deliver a cargo of magnesia, and the situation is becoming critical due to a lack of fuel. Russian sailors take turns maintaining the ship. They also carry out the manoeuvres requested by the harbour master's office to maintain the port activity. The ship needs fuel for its small movements and to keep it moored, such as to keep the heating, refrigerators or fire extinguishing system running. However, since 2024, the harbour master no longer receives the necessary compensation. Russia has always paid, but the bookings have been blocked by the French authorities as part of the sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine. Without diesel, there is no electricity, an the crew could then be forced to abandon ship, for their own safety and the ship would then become a ghost ship. To prevent this dramatic situation, the local association Mor Glaz is putting pressure on France to keep the ship sailing. The crew of the ship is still being supplied with food and other necessities thanks to advances. The debt is already estimated at 150,000 Euros. Report with photo: https://www.ouest-france.fr/bretagne/saint-malo-35400/pourquoi-le-cargo-russe-est-devant-les-remparts-de-saint-malo-07d53b70-dc95-11ef-8f83-1be9a95f1bed
News
SERENADE
On Jan 24, 2025, the authorities of the port of Douala confirmed the start of operations to unload the 30,000 tons of diesel aboard the 'Serenade' offered to Bangui by Moscow. While he was visiting Moscow, the president of the Central African Republic, Faustin Archange Touadera discussed with his Russian counterpart Putin, the issue of the diesel that the latter ordered to be transported to the Central African Republic, but which had remained blocked for some time in Cameroon.
JAIRAN
The 'Golbon' (IMO: 9289033) and 'Jairan', both carrying an ingredient for missile propellant, will sail from China to Iran in the next few weeks according intelligence from security officials in two Western countries. The transactions could make the Chinese entities involved subject to U.S. sanctions aimed at curbing Iran's weapons programs, as the two Iranian vessels are already under U.S. sanctions. were expected to carry more than 1,000 tonnes of sodium perchlorate, which is used to make ammonium perchlorate, the main ingredient for solid propellant for missiles. Ammonium perchlorate is among chemicals controlled by the Missile Technology Export Control Regime, a voluntary international anti-proliferation body. Both vessels were initially expected to sail directly to Bandar Abbas without further port calls. Now that the Chinese authorities have been alerted as to what has been loaded in Shanghai, it is possible that the ships’ itinerary and cargo may be adjusted.
MEDSTRAUM
The 'Medstraum' was taken out of service in Stavnager after its battery capacity dropped to 84 percent on Jan 2, 2025. Now a new electric vessel is on the way. Prior to the phase-out, the operator Fjord1 experienced that the battery was unable to store enough energy. This led to more frequent charging and delays in the route service. This has created a mood of rebellion on Vassøy and the other city islands.
GOLBON
The 'Golbon' and 'Jairan' (IMO: 9167291), both carrying an ingredient for missile propellant, will sail from China to Iran in the next few weeks according intelligence from security officials in two Western countries. The transactions could make the Chinese entities involved subject to U.S. sanctions aimed at curbing Iran's weapons programs, as the two Iranian vessels are already under U.S. sanctions. were expected to carry more than 1,000 tonnes of sodium perchlorate, which is used to make ammonium perchlorate, the main ingredient for solid propellant for missiles. Ammonium perchlorate is among chemicals controlled by the Missile Technology Export Control Regime, a voluntary international anti-proliferation body. Both vessels were initially expected to sail directly to Bandar Abbas without further port calls. Now that the Chinese authorities have been alerted as to what has been loaded in Shanghai, it is possible that the ships’ itinerary and cargo may be adjusted.