The Amfitriti: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

In a decisive move against maritime misconduct, the tankers 'Giessel', 'Ekaterina', 'Lerax', and 'Amfitriti' have been stripped of their flags after investigations uncovered their alleged involvement in transporting Iranian oil, contravening stringent U.S. sanctions. These vessels reportedly made clandestine trips to Iranian waters in 2020, collectively acquiring millions of barrels of oil during these operations. The tankers were part of a sophisticated scheme executed by both Iranian and foreign ships, which manipulated their tracking systems to conceal their illicit activities. Previously registered under the Caribbean nation of St. Kitts & Nevis, these ships are now without a flag following the St. Kitts & Nevis Ship Registry's determination to uphold international sanction regulations. On August 4th, the registry de-flagged the 'Giessel' after it was reported to have accessed an Iranian port, with the other three vessels facing similar scrutiny shortly thereafter. The St. Kitts & Nevis International Ship Registry emphasized its commitment to addressing violations of imposed sanctions. Official records from the International Maritime Organization have since reflected that the nationality of these tankers is now classified as 'unknown.' Although there is a possibility for them to register under a new state in the future, the absence of flags is likely to disrupt their operational mobility in the interim. Complex ownership structures linked to these ships reveal that three of them fall under the management of the Indian firm Floretta Ship Management, while the fourth is associated with Ravel Ship Management, another Indian company.