Reviews & Ratings for the Areia

On December 16, 2024, during a Foreign Affairs Council meeting, the European Union unveiled its latest sanctions initiative, which now includes 52 additional vessels on its sanctions list, notably the 'Emily S'. This move is part of the EU's ongoing efforts to counteract support for Russia's military operations amid the ongoing conflict. The newly sanctioned ships have been identified as key players in circumventing the West's oil price cap, facilitating arms shipments, and transporting pilfered grain. With this update, the EU's total number of sanctioned vessels has surged to 79. A significant portion of these vessels is involved in oil transportation and arms supply to Russian forces. The sanctions package further expands its scope by targeting 54 individuals and 30 entities believed to be reinforcing Russia's war efforts. This includes participants from China and North Korea, identified as suppliers of dual-use materials essential for Russia's military agenda. Notably, two high-ranking officials from North Korea and seven individuals and organizations from China have been included in the recent sanctions. The overarching objective of these measures is to escalate operational costs for Russia by restricting access to EU ports and limiting maritime services.

On November 25, the United Kingdom escalated its maritime sanctions by blacklisting 30 vessels from the Russian Shadow Fleet, including the tanker 'Emily S'. This action aims to disrupt illicit oil transport operations that bolster Russia's military efforts in Ukraine. The UK government has also imposed sanctions on two Russian insurance companies implicated in facilitating these activities. The sanctions package intends to curtail Moscow's oil revenues, which have exceeded $4.3 billion from oil and its derivatives over the past year. With these latest additions, the number of sanctioned vessels within the Russian shadow fleet now totals 73, making the UK the foremost nation in this regard. In a call for solidarity, the UK has urged other countries to join the fight against this shadow fleet, with 46 nations already supporting the initiative. Many vessels in this fleet employ dubious practices and are often poorly maintained, posing significant risks on the open seas. This crackdown not only targets the vessels themselves but also aims to enhance safety by eliminating hazardous traffic from shipping lanes. The sanctioned insurance firms, Alfastrakhovanie PLC and VSK, will now face restrictions on international cooperation and removal from global markets. Additionally, the vessels facing sanctions are barred from entering UK ports, and UK authorities retain the power to direct their movements or detain them as necessary. These tankers will be excluded from the UK Ship Register, leading to the termination of any existing registrations and preventing them from benefiting from price cap exemptions, even for transactions that would normally qualify under the Oil Price Cap Exception.

On August 30, 2021, a tragic accident occurred while the 'Aries Sun' was making its way from New Mangalore to Tuzla. The vessel was anchored at Canakkale when the owner's technical superintendent suffered a fatal fall into an empty cargo tank during a routine cleanliness inspection. Despite immediate first aid efforts from the crew, the superintendent did not survive the incident. In response to the situation, both the Harbour Master and the public prosecutor initiated an investigation. Relevant authorities have conducted interviews with the crew to gather further information, while a Protection & Indemnity (P&I) surveyor has been appointed to delve deeper into the particulars of the accident. The 'Aries Sun' successfully docked at Tuzla on September 4, 2021, following the incident.