Chelsea-4 Vessel Reviews and Specifications

The cargo vessel 'Chelsea 4' has found itself at the center of controversy after being detained once again on January 7, 2026, at Gemlik, Turkey. This latest incident marked the ship's fourth detention in a span of just a few months, highlighting ongoing compliance issues, with a staggering 25 deficiencies recorded during the inspection. Among these, 11 were deemed serious enough to warrant a detention. Significant violations included the absence of the Oil Record Book, broken ventilators and air pipes, poorly maintained manholes, and unconducted emergency drills for enclosed space entry and rescue. Additionally, the vessel's Ballast Water Management Plan was found unapproved, its ballast system was malfunctioning, and steering gear did not meet required standards. Fire safety measures were also lacking, with inoperative firefighting equipment and inadequate ventilation noted. The ship had its ISM certificate deemed unsatisfactory. Following the detention, 'Chelsea 4' was released on January 17 and set sail for Sulina, with an estimated time of arrival on January 20 at coordinates 40° 58' N 028° 53' E. The ship's tumultuous journey included previous detentions: April 12, 2025, in Venice for 12 days due to 11 deficiencies; October 6, 2025, in Constanta for 10 days with 25 deficiencies; and November 15, 2025, in Tulcea, again for 13 days due to 25 deficiencies. These repeated violations have resulted in a refusal of access to all Paris MOU ports, significantly impacting the vessel's operations in the region.

The 'Chelsea 4' vessel has encountered severe scrutiny after its most recent detention on November 15 in Tulcea, where a staggering 25 deficiencies were reported. Of these, 11 serious issues led to the vessel being deemed unfit for operation. Key violations included the absence of the Minimum Safe Manning Document and missing vital certifications such as the Engine International Air Pollution Prevention Certification. Additionally, the crew's training was called into question due to inadequate fire drill practices, while critical safety systems including the fire detection and alarm system were found inoperative. The list of deficiencies also revealed significant concerns regarding the ship's navigation capabilities: the voyage data recorder was non-functional, nautical publications were expired, and a comprehensive passage plan was absent. Furthermore, the vessel's ISM certification did not meet required standards. Following its release on November 27, the 'Chelsea 4' has now been issued a ban from all Paris MOU ports. As it departs the port heading towards Tekirdag with an estimated arrival on December 1, the maritime community remains vigilant. This incident marks the ship's latest detention, previously held in Constanta on October 6 and earlier in Venice on April 4. The ongoing issues surrounding this vessel underscore the importance of maintaining rigorous safety and operational standards within the maritime industry.

On October 6, 2025, the freighter 'Chelsea 4' was detained at the port of Constanta, following the discovery of 25 deficiencies, 11 of which were classified as serious enough to warrant the detention. Among the most critical issues identified were the absence of key financial security certificates related to shipowner liability and repatriation, as well as essential navigational documentation such as a missing compass correction log and expired nautical publications. Furthermore, the vessel's voyage data recorder was found to be inoperative, and there were deficiencies related to bridge operations and emergency systems, including inoperative emergency lighting and switches. The vessel's cargo securing manual did not meet required standards, and fire safety measures, including fire doors and openings in the fire-resisting division, were deemed unsafe. The last detention of the 'Chelsea 4' occurred on April 12, 2025, in Venice, where inspectors found 11 deficiencies, six of which were considered serious and led to a 12-day detention. After being cleared of its deficiencies, the 'Chelsea 4' departed Constanta on October 15, bound for Sulina.