Aminah-Star Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On December 10, 2025, Ukraine’s security services apprehended the vessel known as 'Gladius' upon its arrival in Odesa, where it was scheduled to load steel pipes. Investigations revealed substantial evidence against the ship, linking it to unauthorized operations in the Russian-occupied territory of Crimea and its involvement in the transport of Ukrainian agricultural products. At the time of its capture, the 'Gladius' was manned by a crew of 16, predominantly consisting of nationals from various Middle Eastern countries, alongside the ship's captain. Law enforcement seized vital documents, including voyage plans, navigation charts, and communication logs, all of which contained incriminating evidence related to the vessel's past activities in occupied ports. Criminal cases have been initiated on multiple charges, such as financing activities detrimental to Ukraine's territorial sovereignty, treason, breaches of transportation regulations, and unauthorized entry to or exit from temporarily occupied regions. The ship is currently under custody with plans for potential transfer to Ukraine's Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA). Notably, the 'Gladius' was rebranded from 'Aminah Star' just days earlier on October 30, a strategic move identified by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) as an attempt by the vessel's sanctioned owner to disguise its operations following sanctions imposed by Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council. Prior to the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the 'Gladius' had made at least seven stops in Sevastopol, during which it allegedly transported agricultural products from Crimea against Ukrainian law. One significant instance occurred in January 2021, when the ship reportedly loaded over 6,900 tonnes of wheat in Sevastopol destined for North Africa. The 'Gladius' entered the Black Sea on December 1, only to disable its AIS transponder on December 2, just before nearing the Ukrainian coastline. The SBU has referred the matter to ARMA, which is expected to adjudicate the ship's future through legal channels. This year, ARMA has intensified efforts to dispose of seized vessels, recently putting the 'Usko MFU' and 'Anka' on the market and successfully selling a Russian tanker involved in the 2018 Kerch Strait incident.