The Bodhi: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

A vessel has been officially sold to the renowned Alang Breakers, a prominent ship-breaking yard located in Alang, India. This transaction marks another significant step in the maritime industry's cycle, where aging ships are dismantled and recycled. The Alang facility is known for its extensive capacity to handle a wide range of vessels, contributing to both the local economy and sustainable practices by reclaiming materials from decommissioned ships.

Despite the cancellation of oil export contracts by Western nations following the onset of the Ukraine conflict, Russia's oil exports remain robust. Recent satellite analysis reveals a stark contrast between the reported and actual locations of Russian oil tankers. Notably, on September 19, 2023, the tanker 'Turba' was recorded a few miles off the coast of Greece, whereas another vessel, the 'Simba,' was listed as being 4.7 miles away. However, the reality painted a different picture, with both ships positioned in close proximity to each other, allowing for oil transfer from the 'Turba' to the 'Simba' directly. The 'Turba' had previously raised suspicions with oversight authorities back in May due to discrepancies in ownership and concerns regarding its structural integrity. In recent months, Russia has assembled a formidable fleet of these so-called 'shadow tankers.' Estimates suggest that these vessels, including the 'Turba,' are responsible for transporting approximately half of Russia's oil exports. This clandestine operation includes a tactic known as 'spoofing,' where vessels obscure their true coordinates during oil loading by employing an unassociated third ship to emit false location signals, while the actual ship turns off its own signal. This method complicates the tracing of oil deliveries and obscures the products' country of origin. Following the implementation of Western sanctions, the southern coast of Greece and the Spanish exclave near Morocco have emerged as key hubs for Russian shipping activities. Local authorities in Greece hold no jurisdiction to halt these operations, particularly as loading occurs within international waters just six miles from the shoreline. It remains uncertain whether the Greek government is actively monitoring the maritime activities in this critical region.