Working Conditions Aboard the Aira

Mozambique's maritime authority, the Institute of Maritime Transport (ITRANSMAR), has made a definitive statement regarding the tanker 'Disha', asserting that it was not registered under Mozambican law and was illegally flying the country's flag. This revelation follows an investigation launched by ITRANSMAR after thorough checks of the national ship registry indicated there was no record of the vessel being authorized to operate under Mozambique’s flag. The claims from ITRANSMAR pointed to the possibility that the tanker has been misusing the Mozambican flag in a manner that constitutes a severe violation of international maritime law. Authorities are now collaborating with relevant international organizations and the concerned states to fully understand the circumstances of this incident and identify those responsible for the unauthorized flag usage. Considering the tanker’s age and Mozambique’s statements regarding its illegal flagging, suspicions arise that the 'Disha' could be linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, a network known to obscure the ownership and trading activities of vessels. ITRANSMAR has cautioned that the fraudulent use of a national flag not only undermines confidence in international ship registration systems but also poses a threat to maritime security and the essential principle of lawful flag State jurisdiction. Mozambique has reiterated its commitment to work alongside the international maritime community to ensure safe navigation and enforce international maritime law. On July 24, prior to the attack, audio recordings surfaced from a public VHF maritime radio channel, allegedly featuring a US military operator warning a merchant ship about its non-compliance with navigation regulations as it approached Iran, ultimately issuing a threat to fire on its engine room. The 'Disha', which had previously navigated the Strait of Hormuz safely on June 15 while carrying a load from Qatar to Dahej port in Gujarat, has raised significant concerns regarding the integrity of maritime operations in the region.

On July 24, 2026, the LPG tanker 'Disha' encountered a troubling incident while navigating Iranian waters close to the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel was impacted by a projectile, presumed to be a missile of unidentified origin, resulting in a fire erupting near the ship's smokestack. As of now, no group has taken responsibility for this concerning attack. Official details regarding the damage to the tanker remain scarce. Thankfully, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has confirmed the safety of all 28 Indian crew members on board, reporting no injuries or casualties. Communication with pertinent authorities is active, ensuring that developments are closely monitored.

On June 15, the 'Disha' made history as the first liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz following a peace agreement between the United States and Iran. The tanker had been anchored west of the strategically vital strait for over three months, having loaded its cargo in Ras Laffan, Qatar, on March 1-2. After the recent agreement, the 'Disha' shifted course, setting sail for the port of Dahej. Despite this hopeful sign, vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz remains limited, as shipping companies express caution. They require additional time to evaluate the maritime situation, particularly concerning mine clearance and safety protocols, before resuming full-scale operations. The pivotal agreement between the US and Iran is poised to be finalized on June 19 in Switzerland. Following this announcement, global oil prices experienced a notable dip, falling by approximately 4%. Since hostilities commenced on February 28, an estimated 155 to 215 oil and chemical tankers have been trapped in the Persian Gulf, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the shipping industry in this region.

On the morning of October 18, 2015, a dramatic rescue unfolded in the waters near Yemen when the LPG tanker Falcon (IMO: 9014432) emitted a distress call while sailing approximately 130 miles southeast of Aden. The vessel experienced a fire following an unexplained explosion, prompting an urgent response from the maritime community. The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Aspides orchestrated the search and rescue (SAR) operation in collaboration with several naval assets. Initially, the Falcon was manned by 26 crew members, comprised of one Ukrainian and 25 Indian nationals, who abandoned ship as the situation escalated. Greek frigate HS Spetsai joined the rescue efforts, deploying an aerial unit alongside a French air asset from France's Indian Ocean command to assist in the SAR mission. Additionally, the shadow tanker Meda diverted its course to aid the distressed crew, successfully retrieving one Ukrainian and 23 Indian sailors from the troubling scene. The frigate Spetsai provided an escort to the Meda as they proceeded to Djibouti, where the rescued crew was safely handed over to the Djiboutian Coast Guard. Interestingly, the Meda, identified as part of a possible shadow fleet operating for Iranian interests under a potential false flag, had its identity also linked to another vessel, Aira (IMO: 8818219). By October 20, the Meda remained anchored at position 11° 41' N 043° 09' E in Djibouti, having completed its critical mission to save lives at sea. For more details and updates, you can follow the report with additional images available at EUNAVFOR Aspides' official page.

In a recent maritime transaction, a vessel has been sold for around $10.5 million to buyers who remain undisclosed. This notable sale highlights the ongoing activity in the shipping industry, showcasing the dynamics of buyer and seller relationships within the market.