Working Conditions Aboard the Andromeda-V

In a significant move against Iranian oil transport operations, the US government has enforced sanctions on a variety of vessels and entities associated with the sale of Iranian oil, which has been linked to financing militant organizations such as Hezbollah and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF). Among the vessels sanctioned are the 'Confidence P' (IMO: 9178044), 'Nova' (IMO: 9231224), 'Rival' (IMO: 9117818), and 'Tiyara' (IMO: 9231224). These vessels are tied to Abdul Jalil Mallah and his brother Luay al-Mallah, the latter recently added to the sanctions list. Abdul Jalil Mallah is noted for his role in illicit shipping, specifically facilitating the transport of Iranian oil for Hezbollah and the IRGC-QF. In conjunction with their assets, both individuals now face sanctions under US jurisdiction. Additionally, Star Ocean Shipmanage Ltd. has been sanctioned, alongside its fleet comprised of 'Eternal Success' (IMO: 9307633), 'Eternal 8' (IMO: 9232448), and 'Eternal Peace' (IMO: 9259745), all allegedly involved in voyages violating US sanctions against the IRGC-QF as recently as July 2024. Reports indicate these vessels employed deceptive tactics, including ship-to-ship transfers and AIS spoofing, to obscure their oil transportation activities. Another vessel, the 'Serene I' (IMO: 9197832), has been sanctioned for allegedly loading and transporting IRGC-QF oil from Iran to China on behalf of Concepto Screen SAL Offshore, a company purportedly linked to Hezbollah. The tanker is owned by Dragon Road Ltd., which is based in the Marshall Islands and has also been added to the sanction list. Furthermore, the 'Feng Tau' (IMO: 9248473), believed to be transporting oil from Iran to mainland China, faces sanctions alongside its Hong Kong-based owner, Tai Feng Hai Shipping Ltd.

On September 6, 2023, the oil tanker 'Serene 1' experienced a significant engine malfunction, leaving it disabled and adrift in the Bay of Bengal. The vessel was located approximately 210 nautical miles east of Sri Lanka while being en route from Saudi Arabia to an undisclosed destination. Since the ship's transfer of ownership to new Chinese proprietors in 2021, much of its voyage documentation has either been lost or remains incomplete, raising concerns about its operational status and safety protocols.

In a positive turn of events, three crew members who were abducted from the tanker 'Kalamos' on February 3rd have successfully been freed from their captors in Nigeria. The release followed extensive efforts by authorities and negotiations, though specifics regarding these operations remain undisclosed to deter potential future attacks. Upon their return, the crew members will undergo medical evaluations before being flown back to their families. The incident occurred while the Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) was stationed off Bonny, where it was preparing to load with 23 crew members on board when it faced an armed assault. Tragically, the vessel’s chief officer lost his life during this attack. The rescued individuals, comprising two Greeks and one Pakistani, were treated for their injuries at a local hospital following their harrowing experience. Upon their return home, additional support will be provided to ensure their well-being as they reunite with loved ones.