Reviews & Ratings for the Gagan

In a significant move to tighten sanctions against Iran, the United States has immobilized four Russian tankers—'Anthea' (IMO: 9281683), 'Elsa,' 'Hebe' (IMO: 9259185), and 'Baxter' (IMO: 9282522). This action follows the latest Iran-related sanctions announced on April 4, 2024, targeting the shipping entity Oceanlink Maritime DMCC and its vessels for alleged transportation of goods for the Iranian military. The U.S. Treasury Department's strategy aims to thwart Iran's capacity to finance proxy factions believed to be supporting Russia in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The 'Anthea' has reportedly loaded 200,000 metric tons of Russian Ural crude oil through ship-to-ship transfers (STS) from two vessels in the Laconian Gulf in late March. The vessel is currently en route to Singapore, with an estimated arrival on April 30. Meanwhile, the 'Elsa' is carrying 100,000 metric tons of fuel oil that was supplied through STS near the Port of Kalamata, with the oil originating from ports in St. Petersburg and Ust-Luga, Russia. The 'Elsa' is heading towards Qingdao, expected to reach its destination by May 12. On the other hand, the 'Hebe' is loaded with 100,000 metric tons of fuel oil from St. Petersburg and Ust-Luga, and while it's on its way to the Suez Canal, its final destination remains uncertain. Lastly, the 'Baxter,' which is transporting naphtha from the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, has been adrift in the Arabian Sea since April 5, presumably due to the sanctions imposed on the vessel.

In the early hours of December 23, 2019, a noteworthy incident unfolded in the Singapore Strait when the tanker 'Bamzu', on its journey from Nipa anchorage to Qing Dao, became the target of a pirate boarding. At shortly past midnight, three attackers entered the vessel, with one of them brandishing a knife. The ship's chief engineer and duty engineer discovered the intruders in the engine room, prompting the crew to raise the alarm. Thankfully, the assailants promptly fled the scene. During the commotion, it was later revealed that two motormen had been restrained by the pirates. A thorough search of the ship ensued, yielding no additional sightings of the intruders. Fortunately, the crew emerged unscathed, no valuables were taken, and 'Bamzu' was able to continue its voyage without further incident.

In an impressive move, Dubai-based Marshal Shipping has secured its second aframax tanker within a mere three weeks, marking a significant expansion of its maritime fleet. The company has successfully acquired the 104,900 dwt Voyager C for a notable sum of $13.2 million. This follows their earlier acquisition this month of the 99,000 dwt tanker, Hildegaard. The Voyager C was sold by Horizon Tankers, led by Anthony Comninos, who originally purchased the vessel as the Vega Voyager in January of last year for $10.8 million, an eye-catching deal that was historic as it represented the Greek owner's inaugural foray into aframax tankers.