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Japan has received a shipment of Russian crude oil for the first time in more than two years, and it arrived on the 'Voyager', which has been sanctioned by both the United States and the European Union. The Taiyo Oil Co., a Japanese refiner based in Tokyo, has taken delivery of 600,000 barrels of Sakhalin Blend crude from the tanker. The oil was loaded from the Prigorodnoye terminal, located at the southern tip of Russia’s Sakhalin Island, on May 25, 2025. The 'Voyager' docked at the port of Kikuma on June 9 to unload the cargo. The 'Voyager', previously sailing as the 'Vernadsky Prospect', is one of 161 tankers that were sanctioned by the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in Jan 2024 under then-President Joe Biden. The European Union blacklisted the vessel in February as part of its sanctions on Russia. Despite the sanctions, Japan has continued to receive waivers allowing the import of Sakhalin Blend crude on the grounds of national energy security. This waiver was extended in the EU’s 17th sanctions package on May 21 and remains valid until late June 2026. A separate US waiver, which permits similar activity, is set to expire on June 28, though it is generally extended as a matter of policy. The purchase was made at the request of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). A liquefied natural gas (LNG) project backed by Japan would have been impacted if the crude oil could not be transported, as both LNG and crude are extracted together in the same process.

The 'Hebridean Isles', due to be scrapped has been given a stay of execution due to the Brexit. After the final sailing to Islay, the ferry has been anchored at King George V dock on the Clyde, awaiting transfer to Denmark to be scrapped. That was first mooted for April, but the ship has been unable to enter the European Union due to regulations over hazardous waste. The issue is believed to be related to the freezer compartments on board, and in particular the insulation used in their construction. From salvaging engine parts to removing hazardous material, The project has been closely managed to ensure compliance with all partners, such as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Danish equivalent. It was in the final stages of completing the required paperwork, and Calmac hoped to see her start the journey to Denmark as soon as all necessary permissions are granted. The rules have changed since Brexit and it takes more time to obtain approvals on paperwork. When paired with the complexity of decommissioning work to retain important parts of the vessel, the project has taken slightly longer than originally planned.

60 % of the fire aboard the 'Wan Hai 503' was still not doused. Efforts are being made to prevent the fire from spreading to the 2,000-ton fuel tank. The fire and explosions were particularly concentrated from mid-ship to the container bay ahead of the accommodation block. As of June 11, the smoke has subsided to some level as a result of the heavy rain in the seas but the fire was still not under control. Besides, the ship was tilting approximately 10-15 degrees to port side,, as a result of which around 50 containers have fallen overboard. 10 to 15 containers were seen drifting by the Dornie Coast Guard aircraft and may reach the coast around June 12. The ship was 81,65 kilometres away from the Azheekal port in Kannur. Lost containers may reach the Thrissur and Ernakulam areas. The ' Samudra Prahari', 'Sachet' and 'Samarth' were continuing the firefighting efforts, while smoke was still emanating from the ship. Considering the heat and explosion hazard, water is being pumped from a distance of 200 meters. The contents 157 containers are capable of burning, exploding and causing serious health problems to humans. Most of them fall under class 6,1. The ship is carrying a large quantity of explosive lithium batteries, pesticides, 19 containers of flammable solids, ethanol, printing ink, paint, and nitrocellulose-containing alcohol. the still missing missing crew members were named as: • Yu Bo Fong (32), Second Engineer from Thailand; • Sa Wing (53), Carpenter from Myanmar ; • Zainal Abidin (36), Able Seaman from Indonesia; • Heshe Chia Wen (41), Motorman from Thailand. Of the 18 rescued crew members, two had critical injuries with 35 to 40 % burns and were treated among with four others at the AJ Hospita in New Mangalore. Report with photo: https://english.publictv.in/indian-coast-guard-working-to-combat-fire-on-singapore-flagged-container-ship/

Less than a year after it was abandoned off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, the 'Med Sea Eagle' delivered military equipment to a Libyan strongman, leaked documents revealed. The ship’s then-owners abandoned it in June 2023, and conditions grew so dire that one crew member attempted to commit suicide. In summer 2024, a company that chartered the vesselallegedly bribed its crew to deliver high-speed boats and military tactical vehicles to Libya, according to leaked emails written by the ship’s owner. The ship was sold to the Turkey-based Sea Lion Shipping Co in late 2022. The company ran into financial trouble soon after it bought the vessel, and abandoned it along with its crew in June 2023. The crew wasn’t paid for months and ran short of food, water and medicine. Some crew members began to panic. One took a potentially lethal dose of painkillers and was taken ashore to a hospital for medical treatment by Emirati authorities and then forced to return to the dismal conditions aboard the 'Med Sea Eagle'. The Sea Lion Shipping’s website is defunct.

The so-called orange box from the 'Cobra' will be sent to the FBI in the USA for forensic analysis in the frame of the investigation of the suspected collision with the Bruma' off the coast of Coronel, Bío Bío region. According to Claudia Urrutia, president of the Maule cod fishing association, industrial vessels with autopilot, like the 'Cobra', must have a 360-degree camera that constantly records images and audio of what happens on board. Attorney Rafael Poblete, representing the families of the Bruma crew members, emphasized that the results of the orange box examination could have a significant impact on the course of the investigation. For his part, attorney Alejandro Espinoza, who represents the Cobra crew, strongly rejected any suggestion that the equipment on board had been tampered with. According to Espinoza, the bridge cameras are under the exclusive management of a provider approved by the Navy and cannot be accessed by third parties, including the crew. In addition to the forensic examination of the orange box, the results of the biological examinations conducted on the 'Cobra' are expected to be delivered this week to the families of the 'Bruma' crew members. This could provide additional relevant information to clarify the facts.

On June 7, 2025, at 02.10 a.m. the 'Mykonos Wave' was boarded by five perpetrators about 3.3nautical miles off Batu Berhanti Beacon in pos. 1° 12.08' N 103° 53.71' E. The bulk carrier was underway in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme of the Singapore Strait. No one was injured, and nothing was reported stolen.

On May 30, 2025, at 06.30 a.m. the 'Jin Hwa 47', while towing the barge 'Jin Hwa 48', was boarded by one perpetrator about 3,3 nautical miles off Pulau Cula in pos. 1° 15.7' N 104° 14.3' E. The tug was underway in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme of the Singapore Strait. No one was injured, and the crew was unable to determine if something was stolen.

On June 10 the US Coast Guard has announced the formation of a Unified Command to manage the ongoing response and salvage efforts following the grounding of the 'Honorable James L. Oberstar'. The Unified Command consists of the U.S. Coast Guard, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Chippewa County, and Interlake Steamship Company while multiple federal, state, local and partner organizations are also helping with the response. Representatives from the Northern Michigan Area Committee including the Army Corps of Engineers, the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, the Bay Mills Tribe, and the City of Sault Ste Marie (Ontario) are participating and advising the UC throughout the response. The priorities of the US are ensuring the safety of the public and responders, protecting wildlife and the environment, ensuring economic activities in the area are minimally affected, and the safe transit of the vessel. The vessel was anchored down in the St. Marys River about 10 miles downriver of the Soo Locks. The Unified Command (UC) has been established to continue the response. The ship notified the Coast Guard opn June 8 shortly before 3 p.m. of vibrations while underway east of Neebish Island in the St. Marys River. There were no reports of pollution in the water or surrounding area, and there were no injuries on board- Reports with photos: https://www.sooleader.com/local-news/response-to-honorable-james-l-oberstar-vessel-issue-continues-10791432 https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9101299/unified-command-established-hay-lake-marine-casualty-sault-sainte-marie-michigan

On June 11, 2025, the 'Hein', en route from Port of Spain to St Vincent and the Grenadines, became unstable due to shifting cargo and developed a list to port side, prompting the crew to beach it to prevent it from capsizing. The ship was partially submerged, at the stern, after it was run aground on the southern side of Monas Island in Chaguaramas (Lat. 10.6809 Lng.-61.6887). The vessel was eaking hydrocarbons into the Gulf of Paria, which has raised serious concerns regarding environmental safety and creating a national emergency. The 'Hein' was carrying a shipment of bricks. Efforts were underway to refloat the ship, Report with photo and video: https://associatestimes.com/news/guyanese-cargo-vessel-hein-grounds-in-chaguaramas-leaks-hydrocarbons https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1050188550006765 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKvnATdsj0Y/

Significant progress has been made on the 'MSC Elsa 3' on June 10. Diving operations off the wreck from 'Seamac III' have moved into a stabilised phase. A crucial oil leak from Fuel Oil Tank 22 was successfully sealed using a layered capping of plastic and polyester cloth. Another minor leak from a loose cap on a separate sounding pipe was also contained. Preparations are now underway to seal a newly discovered seepage from the Main Engine Lube Oil Tank 25 or 26. 12 divers are currently operating in shifts, with a second set of 12 being prepared to increase dive rotation and meet the narrow weather window. The operations were being coordinated closely with salvage consultants and are laying the groundwork or the eventual commencement of oil removal operations, which can only begin with saturation diving using specialised equipment expected to arrive within 48 hours. So far, 56 containers from MSC ELSA 3 have been brought ashore, with four more under active recovery by the Marine Environment Response Centre (MERC), volunteers, and district authorities. A fresh survey is planned to verify two containers sighted earlier near Kollam. The Fort Kochi Coastal police have registered a case against the owner of the shipping company, the captain and the crew under Sections 282 (rash navigation of vessel), 285 (addresses danger or obstruction in public ways or lines of navigation), 286 (negligent conduct involving poisonous substances), 287 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter), 288 (rash or negligent actions, endangers human life or causes harm by using explosive substances), and 3(5) (criminal act is done by several people in furtherance of a shared common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita..The case was registered on a complaint filed by C Shamji of Neerkkunnam Malsya Gramam in Alappuzha.

On June 11, the Ha Tinh Maritime Port Authority chaired a meeting to discuss issues related to the sinking of the 'Cong Thanh 07' on May 25 at 8.40 p.m. with 11 crew members from Thai Binh, Thanh Hoa, and Binh Phuoc provinces on board, off the coast of Ha Tinh, Ky Loi Commune, Ky Anh City, en route from Quang Ninh to Quang Binh, Representatives from the Ha Tinh Provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, Thinh Thanh Transport Joint Stock Company (owner of the ship), Northern Coal Trading Joint Stock Company (owner of the cargo), and insurance and appraisal units attended the meeting. The vessel was carrying approximately 30 cubic meters of diesel fuel, 1,400 liters of lubricating oil, and 4,952.06 tons of coal., when it developed a list and sank. On the afternoon of May 26, the rescue vessel 'SAR 631' had transported the crew of the 'Cong Thanh 07' to the port of Vung Ang. The Ha Tinh Maritime Port Authority requested the shipowner to determine the current condition and location of the sunken vessel; to install maritime signals in accordance with regulations to ensure the maritime safety of vessels operating in the area The recovery of the remaining oil on the vessel was implemented to prevent the risk of spills. The Ha Tinh Maritime Port Authority has requested that the shipowner provide a detailed report on the construction schedule and the completion of oil pumping and salvage of the ship by June 16, 2025.

The 'Amory', en route from Toamasina to Antsiranana with 22 crew members on board, ran aground on the morning of June 8, 2025, on a coral reef in pos. 12° 11' N 049° 24' E, at the entrance to the Antsiranana Bay near the Emerald Sea. Maritime and environmental authorities have implemented strategies to ensure the safe refloating of the vessel. No marine pollution has yet been detected; the vessel remained stable, with no water ingress or visible damage. The MEDD's Marine Oil Pollution Response Agency (OLEP) was strengthening its efforts to prevent any risk of an oil spill in this ecologically sensitive area. The grounding occurred due to a technical incident that occurred during its approach maneuver to the port of destination. Photos: https://www.facebook.com/100068996686796/photos/1018990493744164/?_rdr

On June 4, 2025, at 03.33 a.m. the 'ALS Juno' was boarded by three to four perpetrators while being moored at Jakarta Anchorage in pos. 5° 58.79' S 106° 54.95' E. The intruders stole unsecured items, while no one was reported injured.

On June 3, 2025, at 01.56 a.m. the 'Cape Elianto' was boarded by six perpetrators,, about 3,3 nautical miles off Pulau Cula in pos. 1° 4.00' N 103° 40.1' E. The bulk carrier was underway in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme of the Singapore Strait. Nothing was reported stolen, and no one was injured.

Residents of Manihiki, Cook Island,were relieved, after the long-awaited Coral Bay barge from Fiji arrived on June 7, 2025,, with a crew of 11 on board, to begin dismantling the wreck of the 'Grinna II'. The vessel had run aground on Manihiki’s reef on March 21, 2022, near Tukao Harbour and was resting on a shallow on its starboard side since. The National Environment Service (NES) had completed its environmental assessment for removing the vessel MV Grinna from the Manihiki reef after multiple failed attempts om January 2024. The due diligence included consultations with the Island Government of Manihiki to remove any hazardous items. In May 2023, the NES reissued a notice specifying the environmental requirements for the vessel’s removal. Additionally, a SPREP (Pacific Regional Environment Programme) marine hazardous substance expert advised an onsite evaluation by a qualified professional to address salvage and spill responses. In June 2023, the Taio Shipping Ltd. provided a full management plan for the removal of the wreck from the Manihiki reef. The report submitted to Parliament in December stated that the NES finalised the assessment of the plan with technical advice from the Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR), aiming to begin the removal process in the last quarter of 2023. Failed attempts to remove the ship from the reef were made on March 24 by two fishing vessels. Plans were made to drag the 'Grinna II'out to sea by two foreign fishing boats and sink the damaged vessel off the west side of the island. However, the passenger/cargo vessel could not be dislodged off the reef. Reports with photos: https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/national/local/outer-islands/manihiki-residents-relieved-as-barge-arrives-to-dismantle-mv-grinna-ii-wreck/ https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/national/local/environment/outer-islands/environment-agency-approves-plan-to-remove-grounded-ship/

The investigation of the US Coast Guard into the circumstances surrounding the death of a crew member of the 'Polaris', which occurred about 27 miles from New York Harbour, was continued. The vessel was carrying out installation work on Equinor’s Empire Wind I offshore wind farm on June 2, when he had been electrocuted. The New York command centre of the Coast Guard was notified of a medical evacuation aboard the 'Polaris' involving a crew member unconscious from being electrocuted.

The 'Irmgard' ran aground at the entrance to the port of Burgas, blocking traffic of large vessels, on June 8, 2025, at around 7 p.m.during a maneuver to enter the port, due a navigational error, which cazsed the vessel to deviate from the center line of the narrow channel so that got stuck in the immediate vicinity of the entrance lighthouse of the port, at a distance of about 150 meters from the facility. The vessel was loaded with a bulk cargo of agricultural fertiliser classified as non-hazardous. It was to unload the cargo in Burgas. There was no danger of pollution of the marine environment. The ship was towed out with the help of tugs from local towing companies. Warships that were on standby in the port have been stood down. Tourist ships servicing the Burgas - St. Anastasia Island line also continuied their regular runs. Larger commercial ships could not pass through the channel. A diver inspected the grounding site. Once the survey was completed, negotiations began with the towing companies to provide the necessary equipment to refloat the ship, The tugs 'Alioth' (IMO: 9981908) and ÄAlcor' (IMO: 9974814) from the "BMF Tag Service" fleet towed the bulk carrier free on June 10. The operation on the part of the towing company was led by Capt. Todor Korunchev, manager of "BMF Tag Service" and captain of one of the tugs. Reports with photos and video: https://www.eranova.bg/zasednaliyat-korab-v-burgas-blokira-dostapa-na-drugi-plavatelni-sadove-(snimki)-13639 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/907772-stranded-liberian-flagged-ship-blocks-traffic-for-large-vessels-at-port-of-burga https://bnr.bg/en/post/102169507/ship-loaded-with-agricultural-fertilizers-gets-stuck-in-shallows-in-the-port-of-burgas https://www.maritime.bg/123495/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IEzhUzkhpM

An insurance in the range of $24 million is held by the "Cuauhtémoc", the head of the Secretariat of the Navy (Semar), Admiral Raymundo Pedro Morales, confirmed during a press conference on June 10 at the National Palace, making it clear that this amount will be used to pay for repairs and compensation for the cadets killed in the allision. With this sum, all repairs will be paid, compensation for the deceased's debts will be covered, and any resulting damages will be covered. At the shipyard, the hull, steering system, and propulsion system will be inspected tol determine if there was an engine failure or other causes behind the accident. The investigation by the United States Coast Guard, the Military Public Prosecutor's Office, and the Transportation Agency continues, It is still unknown how long the vessel will need to undergo the necessary repairs before being able to return to sea to resume its duties as a training ship.

All cargo on the 'Wan Hai 503' was properly declared, while the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Customs documentation had been filed in every country the vessel passed through. As the fire occurred on a joint service route involving multiple shipping companies and containers, the exact origin of the blaze and the container responsible remain unknown to date. The containers in the ship have dangerous cargo, including Class 3 (flammable liquids), Class 4.1 (flammable solids), Class 4.2 (spontaneously combustible substances) and Class 4.6 (toxic substances)," a senior officer at Azhikkal Port said. The 'Wan Hai 503' has departed from Kaohsiung in late May, with port calls in Hong Kong, China, Singapore and Sri Lanka, before heading towards Mumbai. The major concern was the presence of approximately 2000 tonnes of fuel oil and 240 tonnes of diesel oil in tanks adjacent to the fire zone. The ship has drifted approximately one nautical mile to the south. It had 157 containers with dangerous materials, including 32.2 tonne of nitrocellulose (a highly flammable substance used in various applications like lacquers, plastics, and explosives) with alcohol. These, combined with the high amount of fuel, pose an immediate fire hazard. 10-15 containers were seen floating in the sea and may reach the Indian Coast around June 12. 40 % of the fire has been controlled on June 10, but was still was posing a danger. Efforts were on to tow the vessel more towards the open sea to avoid any impact on the coast.

On June 7, 2025, at 01.1830 p.m. the 'HK Tug 9', while towing the barge 'LKH 7887', was boarded by 14 perpetrators about 3,2 nautical miles off Pulau Nongsain pos. 1° 14.61' N 104° 1.88' E. The tug and barge were underway in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme of the Singapore Strait. No one was injured. The intruders stole scrap metal carried as cargo aboard the barge.