Ceyo Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On April 16, 2026, the cargo vessel 'Ceyo', which was making its way from Gibraltar, experienced a mechanical malfunction while at Tuzla Anchorage. The situation prompted the tugboat 'Şark' (MMSI: 271043518) to assist, successfully towing the vessel and securing it in place at the anchorage located at coordinates 40° 51' N 029° 14' E. This swift response was orchestrated by the İzmit Ship Traffic Services Center. Following the incident, 'Ceyo' was able to dock at Tuzla on April 17 and has remained at the port, stationary, as of April 23. For more details, you can view the incident video [here](https://x.com/i/status/2044743672265060361).

On February 28, the 'Ceyo' encountered yet another crisis while navigating off the coast of Spain. As supplies dwindled, the crew faced a dire situation with limited food and drinking water - there was no bread or salt available. Additionally, the fuel reserves were nearly depleted, and water was infiltrating the vessel's hull, prompting serious concerns. Only one generator remained operational in the engine room, exacerbating an already critical scenario. The chain locker, previously patched up during a repair in Amsterdam, was leaking again, revealing multiple holes. The source of the water in the bilge stemmed from compromised ballast tanks, while a malfunctioning bilge pump added to the challenges. Smoke and burning debris emerged from the ship’s smokestack, signaling further trouble. In response to these alarming conditions, the captain issued a distress signal for assistance. The 'Ceyo' had been cruising slowly near Marbella since February 27, displaying the AIS code "Restricted Maneuverability." The crew, expressing their concerns, sent a formal letter to Spanish authorities requesting to abandon the vessel, alongside demands for unpaid wages and repatriation. On March 1, Spanish maritime rescue agency Salvamento Marítimo dispatched the SAR vessel 'Punta Mayor' from Algeciras to assist the 'Ceyo'; however, no deployment occurred due to the ship's extensive regulatory issues. Having been detained three times in 2025, the 'Ceyo' currently faces a ban from ports in countries part of the Paris Memorandum of Understanding, effective until the end of April. The ship's owner intended to redirect the vessel to an Algerian port, but the captain expressed concerns about setting sail in its current condition. With insufficient diesel for the journey to Algeria, on March 3, the 'Ceyo' made a cautious entry into the port of Gibraltar, hoping for a resolution to its ongoing troubles.

The cargo vessel 'Ceyo,' flagged under Tanzania, has raised significant concerns regarding the welfare of its crew as it remains docked near Brest since February 18. The ship's troubles began prior to its departure from Amsterdam on January 23, when issues were identified with water entering the chain locker more than three weeks ago, following two months of mooring due to extensive defects. Arriving empty in Amsterdam on November 23 to load rubber granulate, the 'Ceyo' faced immediate detention on November 24 by the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) due to 38 identified deficiencies. Over its two-month stay in the port, ILT inspectors conducted five days of assessments, and the ship was ultimately allowed to sail after a fifth re-inspection, despite two unresolved issues. ILT permitted the vessel to depart with the understanding that repairs would occur at the next port of call. However, both the captain and the substitute captain abandoned the ship, asserting its unsafe condition, leading to the appointment of a third captain who had only a single day of experience on board. Compounding the issue, an 8-degree compass error was reported, and crew unfamiliarity with the radar system raised further alarms. On the scheduled departure day, ILT inspectors returned for an additional check after receiving alarming images of water leakage from a ballast tank into the chain locker. A temporary repair was implemented, and a class condition was accepted due to the ship’s planned arrival at a Turkish shipyard for further repairs. Pilot Adema described the scene, noting the visible fear among the crew as they left port, stating, "With over 6,000 pilot trips, I've seen many crews, but this didn't feel right." After facing unfavorable weather conditions while anchored, the vessel attempted to navigate across the Bay of Biscay, requiring assistance from the 'VB Abeille Bretagne' to reach Douarnenez on February 13, where it has remained since February 15. The ILT reaffirmed that their inspections serve as essential safety measures under Port State Control accords, primarily safeguarding against risks rather than conducting full surveys. Despite the identification of a leak, the ILT indicated that a comprehensive inspection wasn’t feasible, emphasizing that ultimately, the ship's condition lies with the owner and flag state. Notably, in 2025, the 'Ceyo' faced detentions not only in the Netherlands but also in Greece and Italy while operated by Turkish shipping company Efemay Shipping, with reports indicating that the leak had been recognized prior to departing from Istanbul. The ITF trade union has highlighted alarming reports, illustrating unpaid crew wages, threats, and intolerable working conditions. The Tanzanian flag state appears to prioritize other concerns, as it has permitted the ship to proceed to a shipyard for repairs, thereby preventing Port State Control from detaining it. Since being anchored off the French coast, worries regarding the crew’s living conditions have intensified, with reports of inadequate food and water supplies, disappointing wages, and excessive work hours exceeding 20 daily. Efe Aytekin, the owner of 'Ceyo,' countered ITF claims, insisting that they are based on fabrications and asserting that the leak issue was unknown until the day they departed from Amsterdam. As of February 20, the vessel departed from Brest with destination Istanbul, estimated to arrive by March 10. For additional insights and photographs, visit: https://www.schuttevaer.nl/nieuws/actueel/2026/02/18/waarom-probleemschip-ceyo-uit-amsterdam-mocht-vertrekken/

On February 13, a French emergency tug equipped for firefighting was dispatched to assist the 'Ceyo' in the English Channel. This vessel had been immobilized in Amsterdam due to ongoing technical difficulties, but it finally set sail on January 23 after extensive inspections. Despite warnings from the pilot about the unsafe conditions, the ship's departure proceeded. The 'Ceyo' faced multiple defects and was under scrutiny for potential illicit activities involving nations such as North Korea, alongside issues concerning crew underpayment. After a comprehensive fifth re-inspection by the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT), the ship received clearance to head to Istanbul. However, just prior to leaving Amsterdam, the entire crew was replaced, raising concerns for the Dutch pilot overseeing the departure. He noted the new crew's uncertainty about the vessel's status and their insufficient nautical knowledge, including a lack of understanding of the radar system. As the situation unfolded, the emergency tug 'VB Abeille Bretagne' (IMO: 9308687) was called to the scene as the 'Ceyo' encountered further difficulties, having strayed too close to the coastline. Local port authorities reacted with alarm, necessitating an escort for the ship. Additionally, the Norwegian offshore vessel 'Olympic Delta' (IMO: 9745768), capable of helicopter accommodations in emergencies, was deployed from Cherbourg to the Ceyo's location. As of February 15 at 7 a.m., the 'Ceyo' was anchored near St. Hernot at coordinates 48° 12' N 004° 30' W, remaining there through February 17.

On January 23, 2026, the 'Ceyo' set sail from Amsterdam, marking the end of a two-month detention that began when it arrived on November 24, 2025. The ship was held by the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) due to a series of serious deficiencies identified during inspections. Despite ongoing safety issues, including unresolved faults and concerns about water ingress, ILT determined that the vessel was fit to leave after a fifth re-inspection. Out of 38 deficiencies noted, two remain unaddressed but have been deemed manageable until the vessel reaches its next destination. Recent reports have raised alarms over the safety of the crew, leading to intervention by the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) to ensure that sailors received their owed salaries. The captain and two engineers chose to leave the 'Ceyo', citing safety concerns, and many experts question the decision to allow the ship to depart given its troubled past. Notably, inspectors found water leaking from the ballast tanks into the compartment that houses the anchor chain, raising further doubts about the vessel's seaworthiness. Despite these findings, the ship was permitted to continue its journey. In a bid to address crew shortages, the Turkish shipping company Efemay Shipping recruited a new team from Georgia. Earlier disputes over unpaid wages for replaced crew members were resolved, with the owner committing to ensure all salaries are disbursed this week. The history of the 'Ceyo' is notorious, with previous voyages linked to North Korea, a near-sinking incident off Japan, and the discovery of 4,500 kilos of cocaine aboard in 2023. The vessel faced detentions in Italy and Greece in 2025 and will now be barred from entering ports in Paris MoU member countries for the next three months due to this latest detention. The owner has firmly stated that the ship will not return to the Netherlands, as it now charts a course for Istanbul with an estimated time of arrival on February 7, 2026.

The freighter 'Ceyo' has been anchored in Amsterdam's Coenhaven for an extended period of 50 days, following its detention by the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (IHVT) on November 13, 2025. The vessel, which arrived from Saint-Malo to collect a shipment of rubber granulate, was held due to a series of alarming deficiencies. Upon inspection, authorities identified a staggering 34 serious issues affecting various aspects, including the ship's technical condition, safety protocols, and necessary documentation. The 'Ceyo' has faced substantial challenges in recent weeks, failing two re-inspections that sought to verify compliance with safety standards. This vessel has a complicated history, having previously operated under North Korean ownership and changing names and flags over ten times. In a notorious incident back in 2017, the ship was deliberately grounded on the Japanese coast, partially submerging it. During that event, it was revealed that the vessel was sailing under a fraudulent Fijian flag. In 2023, the Spanish Coastguard made headlines after seizing 4,500 kilos of cocaine found aboard the 'Ceyo' during an audacious maritime operation. Currently owned by Efemay Shipping from Turkey, the vessel was acquired after being abandoned in a Spanish port. Since the change of ownership, the 'Ceyo' has predominantly operated within the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions. Though the ship has essential provisions, including fresh water and adequate food supplies, crew members have encountered distressing conditions. They are allowed to disembark, yet Gijs Mol, representing the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), has had to intervene on their behalf multiple times. In December, a controversial incident occurred when the ship’s owner called the police to remove the chief engineer, alleging he threatened to set the ship on fire. The engineer contends that this claim was fabricated to prompt his removal, as he had been advocating for his unpaid wages. The crew is currently receiving significantly below the International Labour Organization's (ILO) wage standards, with some seafarers earning only $600 a month instead of the required $879. Fear of retaliation has left the crew reluctant to voice their concerns. Recently, the captain abandoned the vessel, citing safety issues as a major concern. The remainder of the crew members, eager to return home, have opted to stay onboard until a successful re-inspection occurs. Plans to replace the entire crew are already in motion by the owner, but presently, no further re-inspections for the 'Ceyo' have been scheduled. A detailed report, complete with photographs, can be accessed via this link: https://www.schuttevaer.nl/nieuws/actueel/2026/01/14/probleemschip-ceyo-al-vijftig-dagen-aan-de-ketting-ik-blijf-maar-geld-uitgeven/

On December 13, authorities were called to the cargo vessel 'Ceyo' after a physical altercation erupted amongst the crew while docked at Coenhaven in Amsterdam. This ship has garnered a dubious reputation, having been detained by local port authority inspectors on November 24 due to critical safety deficiencies and a failure to meet necessary technical and documentation standards. As a result, the 'Ceyo' was barred from departing until all issues were rectified and a successful re-inspection took place. Reports indicate that the crew had not received wages for two weeks, creating an atmosphere of tension on board. Harbour chaplain Leon Rasser, who has visited the vessel on two occasions to deliver Christmas gifts, noted that only two members of the crew were able to communicate in English, while most preferred to avoid contact with outsiders. The atmosphere escalated to the point where crew members were physically confronting one another, though they ultimately resolved their differences without incident. Police officials reported no arrests were made, nor did they provide any medical aid. The 'Ceyo' has a history of flagging changes and name alterations; it has sailed under numerous flags including Belize and Togo, and in 2023, it was registered as 'Lilibet' under the Cameroonian flag. Since May 2025, it has been flagged to Tanzania. Throughout its 20-year operational history, the vessel has been linked to at least 13 different national registries. Owned by the Turkish company BM Sea Lines, whose establishment was recent, the 'Ceyo' is the sole vessel in their fleet. In January 2023, authorities in Spain seized a significant cocaine shipment aboard the ship in Tenerife, resulting in an impoundment. Furthermore, the vessel was placed on a UN blacklist for allegedly collaborating with North Korea. Its movements have frequently taken it to Russian ports in the Black Sea, including Novorossiysk, where it often remains for prolonged periods without apparent reason. Previously, the ship's chief engineer expressed concerns regarding its condition, leading to his eventual departure. Notably, in 2025, the 'Ceyo' faced mooring issues on three separate occasions due to its deteriorating state.