The Rms-Team: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

Akkon Lines, Turkey's leading maritime operator, has made the pivotal decision to suspend all shipping services to Russian ports, including St. Petersburg, due to escalating dangers in the region. This move arrives on the heels of the RMS Team, one of its owned vessels, being declared a total constructive loss after a drone strike on August 21 while docked in Novorossiysk. The attack not only resulted in severe damage but also forced the crew to evacuate to safety. This decision by Akkon, which was previously redirecting cargo from Novorossiysk, comes alongside similar actions taken by Arka, Turkey’s other major shipping company. Reports indicate that some carriers were incurring additional charges—up to $2,500 per container—as they adjusted their routes to navigate the heightened risks. The situation in the Black Sea has grown increasingly perilous, leading to significant losses among Turkish shipping firms attempting to maintain trade relations with both Ukraine and Russia. Akkon's collaboration with Russia's Fesco, which suffered an attack on its container ship Yanina on August 1, has also been affected. As part of the service suspension, Akkon is advising customers that any cargo already in transit will be redirected to either its original port of departure or the intended shipping destination. In a noteworthy development, a vessel bound for St. Petersburg, currently in the Baltic, is reportedly considering a diversion to Lithuania to offload its cargo instead of returning to Turkey. In the wake of this escalation, other carriers such as the MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company have followed suit, ceasing services to Novorossiysk after their vessel was struck. Companies like Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have also halted services to Ukraine’s Black Sea ports, citing intensified risks. Turkish diplomats continue to advocate for a ceasefire regarding attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea, actively seeking negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to restore safety for maritime operations. Given Turkey’s instrumental role in establishing the first grain corridor back in 2022, it hopes to replicate its diplomatic successes to forge a new agreement. Meanwhile, the cessation of Turkish shipping routes poses significant challenges for the transport of goods to both nations.

A distressing incident occurred on August 21, 2026, when the cargo vessel 'RMS Team' was targeted in a drone attack while navigating through the Black Sea. The ship was on its way from Gemlik to the Russian port of Novorossiysk when it endured a direct hit, resulting in catastrophic damage. The attack initiated a fierce fire that quickly spread from the engine room to the living quarters and then to the cargo containers, compelling the crew to evacuate under life-threatening circumstances. Swift action was taken by the nearby container ship 'Lider Perihan' (IMO: 9499539), which responded to the distress signal and successfully rescued 11 of the 12 crew members. These fortunate survivors were transported to safety within Turkish territorial waters. However, search and rescue operations continue for the lone missing seafarer. Authorities have yet to identify the party responsible for the drone strike. In light of the incident, the Akkon Lines company has announced a total constructive loss concerning both the vessel and its cargo.

In a strategic move to bolster its operations, CMA CGM has successfully secured a new charter agreement for a period spanning 12 to 14 months within the Mediterranean region. The charter, which is poised to significantly enhance CMA CGM's shipping capacity, will yield a daily rate of $35,000. This development comes as the company continues to optimize its services in the lucrative Mediterranean shipping market, ensuring timely and efficient transport solutions for its clients.

CMA CGM has successfully finalized a new charter that will entail 2 to 4 months of trading in the Caribbean region. The agreement establishes a lucrative daily rate of $7,450, showcasing CMA CGM's ongoing commitment to expanding its operations in this vibrant maritime market. This strategic move not only underscores the company's presence in the Caribbean but also highlights the increasing demand for shipping services in this area.

CMA CGM has successfully negotiated a charter extension lasting between one to three months, enabling the company to continue its trading operations throughout the Caribbean. This strategic move reinforces CMA CGM's commitment to enhancing its service offerings in this vibrant maritime region.