Working Conditions Aboard the James-Ii

On June 10, 2024, a significant announcement came from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, revealing the sanctions imposed by its Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on ten entities, individuals, and vessels—including two ship captains—due to their involvement in the illicit transportation of sanctioned oil and goods. These actions target operations tied to the Sa'id al-Jamal network, associated with Houthi financial facilitation. Among those sanctioned is the captain of the 'Olympics', previously known as 'Lady Sofia' (IMO: 9212759). This vessel, already under sanctions, has been identified as continuing to operate under the auspices of the Sa'id al-Jamal network. The OFAC noted that in mid-May, the 'Olympics' used fraudulent documentation suggesting it had loaded cargo from a Malaysian port in late April. Additionally, the captain of the 'La Pearl', also referred to as 'Elita', has faced sanctions, along with the tanker’s commercial manager, Saone Shipping Corporation, which is also under OFAC sanctions. The 'La Pearl' recently offloaded its sanctioned goods and is currently anchored near the coast of China after departing from Dongjiakou on June 2. The sanctions further extend to the tanker 'Janet' (IMO: 9220952), which is reported to be on a voyage from Malacca to Singapore, with an expected arrival around June 18. The 'Bella 1', anchored off Khor Fakkan as of June 12, was similarly sanctioned for transporting banned cargo for Concepto Screen SAL Off Shore to Southeast Asia. The OFAC has also sanctioned the registered owners of these tankers, Lainey Shipping Ltd. and Louis Marine Shipholding Enterprises S.A., underlining its commitment to combat illicit maritime operations and uphold international sanctions.