Working Conditions Aboard the Chem-Ranger

On January 18, 2024, the geopolitical tension in the region escalated when Houthi forces announced an attack targeting the merchant vessel 'Chem Ranger', which was making its way from Jeddah to Shuwaikh. This incident came just hours after American military operations successfully struck Houthi missile launch sites in Yemen. According to U.S. forces, the Houthi missiles fell harmlessly into the sea, causing no damage whatsoever. This missile strike was part of a broader pattern of attempted assaults by the Houthis. On the same day, the UK Marine Trade Operations (UKMTO), a Royal Navy security agency, issued multiple advisories regarding UAV activity in the Gulf of Aden. Reports indicated two notable incidents involving unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In one case, a merchant vessel observed four unidentified UAVs in the vicinity, with one crashing into the water approximately 800 meters away. Shortly thereafter, another vessel, located 115 nautical miles southeast of Aden, reported a UAV descending into the water just 30 meters from its port side. Fortunately, there were no injuries or damage arising from these UAV encounters.

In a concerning maritime event, the oil tanker 'Chem Ranger' was boarded by unauthorized individuals shortly after leaving Singapore. This incident occurred on April 30, 2020, at approximately 5:15 a.m., while the vessel was navigating in position 01 18 30N, 104 04 46E, roughly 6.2 nautical miles northwest of Tanjung Tondong, Pulau Bintan. Upon discovering the intruders in the engine room, the crew promptly activated the general alarm and mustered for safety. The ship's Master promptly alerted Singaporean authorities and initiated a safety navigational broadcast to warn nearby vessels. In response to the situation, the Singapore Navy, alongside the Singapore Police Coast Guard, worked in collaboration with Indonesian authorities to address the breach. The Master made the decision to return the 'Chem Ranger' to Singapore, seeking further assistance to conduct a thorough search of the vessel. Upon arrival in Singapore, officers from the Singapore Police Coast Guard boarded the tanker to inspect it for the perpetrators, who unfortunately could not be located. Fortunately, all crew members were unharmed, and there was no indication of theft or damage aboard the vessel. This incident highlights the importance of maritime security and the quick action of the crew in safeguarding the 'Chem Ranger.'

In a significant legal move, Connecticut-based Chembulk has initiated a lawsuit seeking $2 million to arrest the tanker 'Chem Ranger.' This lawsuit was filed in a federal court in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with Lantern Maritime named as the registered owner and primary defendant. As of August 17, 2019, the 'Chem Ranger' was en route to Venice from Cristobal. Chembulk claims that Lantern Maritime abruptly removed the vessel from its service on August 7, following concerns raised by Chembulk since February. This action allegedly led to Lantern denying the vessel's loading of phosphoric acid, resulting in a substantial loss of $185,000 from a sub-charter agreement with Midgulf International. The lawsuit also highlights that Chembulk identified an overpayment of $815,184 in hire fees between November 2014 and 2018, of which $524,098 remains unpaid. Additionally, Chembulk is pursuing $250,000 in lost profits due to the vessel's unavailability and $229,690 for fuel still aboard the ship. When accounting for attorney’s fees and accrued interest, the total damages sought amount to an imposing $2 million.