Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Aljafzia

In a significant ruling on May 6, 2023, the Mumbai High Court mandated the relocation of three detained tankers—the 'Stellar Ruby', 'Asphalt Star', and 'Chiltern' (formerly 'Al Jafzia')—to the Alang ship recycling yard in Gujarat. This decision follows their interception off the Mumbai Coast on February 6, where they were found approximately 100 nautical miles west in the Arabian Sea under the watchful eye of the Indian Coast Guard. The vessels were detained due to suspicions of engaging in unauthorized Ship-to-Ship (STS) transfer operations involving Iranian bitumen and fuel, utilizing misleading tactics such as disabling their location-tracking systems. The court heard compelling arguments from a representative of the Coast Guard and the Director General of Shipping during the proceedings on May 6. They informed the justices that on May 5, another bench had ordered the release of 50 stranded seafarers who endured dire humanitarian conditions aboard these vessels for nearly three months. Reports indicated that crew members were surviving on a mere 300 ml of potable water daily, with no electricity or essential supplies. In light of the heightened risks posed by the crewless vessels and the potential threats to maritime security, the court dismissed the owners' request to extend the time for crew replacement and to permit the vessels to sail freely. The court recognized that leaving the tankers anchored for an extended duration entailed significant navigational hazards. Consequently, the court's decree ensures that the tankers will be held under legal custody at Alang while the investigations and legal proceedings continue. This move underscores the Indian authorities' commitment to maritime safety and strict adherence to international regulations.

On February 6, 2026, a significant breakthrough in the fight against international oil smuggling was achieved by the Indian Coast Guard during a well-coordinated sea-air operation. Targeting a syndicate that exploited mid-sea oil transfers to evade essential duties, the Coast Guard successfully intercepted three vessels approximately 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai. This operation aimed to dismantle a complex network connected to the illicit flow of Iranian petroleum. The vessels in question—'Chiltern,' 'Asphalt Star,' and 'Stellar Ruby'—were under scrutiny due to their suspicious activities. The 'Asphalt Star' was notably involved in a bunkering operation with the 'Stellar Ruby,' which commenced on February 7, 2026, at 03:48 a.m. UTC and concluded on February 8 at 08:46 a.m. Prior to this operation, the trio of tankers had originally declared various Indian ports as their intended destinations. However, they all altered their Automatic Identification System (AIS) routes to Mumbai on February 8, raising red flags for authorities. All three vessels had been identified under sanctions from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), leading to intense scrutiny. Following the initial interception, a comprehensive investigation was launched, involving thorough rummaging, electronic data analysis, and interrogation of crew members. This multifaceted approach unmasked the operation's underlying structure and global handler network, revealing a pattern of frequently changing vessel identities to evade detection. The seized vessels were escorted to Mumbai, where legal proceedings are set to follow. The collaborative efforts of the Indian Coast Guard highlight the ongoing battle against maritime smuggling and the determination to bring offenders to justice.