Blue-Bosporus: From Mishaps to New Ownership

The maritime sector is closely monitoring the fate of the Blue-Bosporus, a vessel that has recently been in the news due to a series of incidents and a notable transaction. On July 15, 2022, the ship was involved in an oil spill of approximately 20 liters during bunkering operations in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters. The Gibraltar Port Authority promptly activated its oil spill contingency plan and communicated with Algeciras Port authorities. As a precaution, the vessel was detained while an investigation into the incident took place, but it resumed its journey the following day, departing Gibraltar at 1:30 p.m. UTC.

Previously, on December 1, 2020, the Blue-Bosporus was anchored at English Bay, Vancouver, when a serious incident involving two crew members occurred. During a lifeboat drill, the lifeboat was accidentally released, leading to a crash that resulted in injuries to the crew members. The Canadian Coast Guard, along with local authorities, responded swiftly, pulling the lifeboat ashore to provide medical assistance to the injured individuals. Fortunately, their injuries were serious but not life-threatening, and the vessel remained anchored in Vancouver as investigations were conducted.

Furthermore, in a notable change of ownership, the Blue-Bosporus has recently been sold to Greek buyers for a price nearing USD 14.5 million. This transaction signifies not only a shift in ownership but also highlights the vessel's ongoing relevance in the maritime trade and its ability to sustain economic value amidst operational challenges. As the ship embarks on a new chapter under Greek ownership, stakeholders within the maritime industry will be observing closely how the vessel navigates potential future challenges and opportunities.