Read Authentic Ratings for the Sun

On August 30, 2026, Italian naval forces aboard the 'Paolo Thaon di Revel' conducted a successful operation under EUNAVFOR MED IRINI, intercepting the tanker 'Sun' in the Mediterranean Sea. This vessel, which is under sanctions from both the European Union and the United Kingdom, was suspected of operating under a false flag, violating international maritime regulations. The boarding marks the sixth intervention by EU forces against suspected shadow fleet vessels in recent months, highlighting ongoing efforts to curb illegal oil sales that have been vital to Russia's military activities in Ukraine. The operation was carried out in accordance with Article 110 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), permitting naval vessels to board merchant ships when there are reasonable grounds for suspicion regarding their nationality or flag authenticity. Upon boarding, the naval crew thoroughly examined the 'Sun’s' documentation to ascertain its true identity and legal right to operate under its claimed flag. Findings from this inspection were meticulously recorded and forwarded to relevant authorities for further action. As the European defense ministers gathered in Dublin on August 31 to deliberate on intensified measures against the shadow fleet, including the tanker 'Sun', multiple European nations are joining forces to intercept and sanction vessels transporting prohibited goods, notably Russian oil. The Dutch government has also expressed a commitment to strengthen its capability to confront vessels operating under false flags—essentially expanding their legal powers to engage with these vessels that often elude detection by disabling their transponders. The shadow fleet comprises over a thousand vessels engaged in transporting sanctioned materials, and concerted efforts across Europe aim to clamp down on this clandestine network.

On September 1, 2023, the Russian Seafarers' Union (SUR) announced its efforts to secure compensation for the family of a deceased 2nd engineer aboard the tanker 'Sun' (IMO 9293117). Like many vessels operating within the Russian shadow fleet, the tanker lacked valid insurance coverage, and its owner refused to provide any financial support to the grieving family. Disturbingly, the employment contract did not specify any compensation for death, nor was there any mention of insurance details. Further investigations revealed that the tanker’s existing insurance policy was invalid. Acting on behalf of the family, the SUR contacted the flag registry of Antigua and Barbuda for assistance. However, they were informed that the 'Sun' was no longer registered under their flag, which limited their ability to help. The 'Sun' had subsequently claimed to be flagged in Benin, a declaration that was found to be false — a typical characteristic of shadow fleet operations. Faced with the absence of insurance support or cooperation from the flag state, the SUR turned its attention to the ship's owner. Initially, the owner ignored all attempts at communication, only responding after the SUR contacted the flag state. Once engaged, the owner introduced Turkish legal representatives to facilitate negotiations, but these discussions yielded no results. Eventually, a representative of the ship owner based in Russia entered the dialogue, leading to a settlement. The SUR successfully negotiated a final compensation package of $125,000 for the family of the deceased engineer. The 'Sun' had departed from Primorsk on August 27, 2023, and was reported to be bound for Port Said, with an estimated arrival date of September 13, 2023.

In a significant transaction, Konig & Cie has finalized the sale of a fleet of four Suezmax tankers, namely the 'Cape Bari', 'Cape Bastia', 'Cape Bonny', and 'Cape Brindisi'. All four vessels, built in 2005 by Hyundai in Korea, were included in the package deal, which fetched a total of USD 74 million. The individual vessels have special survey and dry dock dates scheduled for April 2020, June 2020, September 2020, and October 2020, respectively. This acquisition by Greek buyers marks a notable movement in the maritime sector and highlights ongoing investment interest in Suezmax tankers.

In a strategic move to streamline operations, German shipping company König & Cie is putting four of its suezmax tankers on the market. Industry sources indicate that the firm is actively seeking offers for these vessels, which were constructed in South Korea in 2005. The tankers up for sale include the Cape Bari, Cape Bastia, Cape Bonny, and Cape Brindisi. This decision reflects König & Cie's ongoing efforts to adapt its fleet size amid changing market conditions.

In an exciting maritime showdown, two oil tankers are making their way towards the southern tip of Argentina, vying to be the first to deliver U.S. crude oil to Japan since the lifting of a long-standing ban late last year. Among the contenders is a Suezmax tanker, chartered by Japanese refiner Cosmo Oil, which is loaded with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil. This revelation marks the first instance of identifying the specific type of oil on board, as reported by a source close to the matter on Thursday.