Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Aurelia

The container vessel 'Aurelia', en route to Samsun from Novorossiysk, Russia, with a crew of 16—seven of whom are Turkish nationals—was struck by a Ukrainian drone on the night of January 17, 2025. This incident occurred approximately 80-90 nautical miles off the Samsun coast, impacting the ship's starboard side. Multiple reefer containers located on that side were severely damaged, leading to a fire on board. Fortunately, the crew managed to bring the fire under control. No injuries were reported among the crew members. The 'Aurelia' successfully docked at Samsun port on January 18 at 2:30 PM and remained in position as of January 20. Recovery operations for the damaged containers commenced, with cranes assisting in their unloading. An investigation has been initiated by local authorities to assess the full extent of the damage and the circumstances surrounding the attack. For more details, you can view reports with photos and videos at the following links: https://www.ntv.com.tr/turkiye/drone-saldirisina-ugrayan-gemi-samsun-limanina-sigindi-1708016, https://www.schuttevaer.nl/nieuws/actueel/2026/01/19/video-containerschip-aurelia-aangevallen-door-drones-op-zwarte-zee/, and https://www.instagram.com/p/DTp_KQ8jYMG/

In a concerning development for maritime operations, the 'Aurelua' faced its second detention in Novorossiysk in just three months on December 18. The vessel was found to have a notable deficiency regarding labor conditions, specifically concerning the non-payment of wages to its crew members. After a brief period, the ship was released on December 23 and subsequently set sail towards the Bosphorus. This recent incident follows the vessel's prior detention on September 13, also in Novorossiysk, where it was cited for 19 deficiencies over the course of two days. As issues surrounding crew welfare remain a critical focus in the maritime industry, this pattern raises significant concerns about operations aboard the Aurelua.

On September 13, 2025, the cargo vessel 'Aurelia' faced detention in Novorossiysk due to a staggering 18 deficiencies that raised serious safety and operational concerns. Key issues included inadequate life-saving appliances, such as non-compliant rescue boats and inoperative equipment. In addition, crucial safety measures were lacking, with charts and nautical publications showing outdated information, alongside deficiencies in the compass correction log and voyage data recorder. Other alarming findings included problems with the main propulsion engine and insufficient pollution prevention protocols regarding oily discharges from machinery spaces. The inspection also revealed shortcomings in labor conditions, particularly in engine room cleanliness and wage compliance. Moreover, radio communication systems were found lacking, with improper maintenance of marine safety information reception facilities and an inadequate radio log. In the realm of emergency procedures, the vessel's emergency steering position and lighting systems were not up to standard, alongside deficiencies in the ISM certificate. Following these significant findings, the 'Aurelia' was promptly released the next day, September 14, and set sail towards the Bosphorus, where it later dropped anchor off Kiisirkaya on September 16. Stay tuned for updates on maritime safety regulations and vessel compliance protocols that ensure safe navigation in our waters.

BG Freight has announced a successful one-month extension of their charter, allowing them to continue operations across European waters. This extension will enable the company to maintain its trading activities and enhance its service offerings in the region. With this new agreement, BG Freight demonstrates its commitment to meeting the demands of its clients while optimizing its maritime logistics capabilities.