Kapitan-Teplyukov Vessel Reviews and Specifications

In a distressing incident, the reefer vessel 'Kapitan Teplyukov' released a significant amount of oil into the waters off Busan before making a swift exit without addressing the situation. Following a thorough investigation conducted by the Busan Coastguard, the ship was apprehended on September 30, 2025. Authorities are now scrutinizing a 41-year-old Russian engineer for potential violations of the Marine Environment Management Act. The incident transpired on the morning of September 24, when the engineer allegedly discharged approximately 39 liters of waste oil into the sea close to the Cheonghak Waterfront Park in Yeongdo-gu, Busan. The Coastguard was alerted to the spill after local divers spotted the oil and notified them around 9:57 a.m. Responding promptly, the Busan Coast Guard deployed containment vessels and personnel, successfully completing the cleanup by 3:35 p.m. Utilizing drone technology, the Coast Guard tracked the movement of the vessel and identified it as the source of the oil spill based on the patterns of the oil film's dispersal. Analyses of oil samples taken from both the spill and the vessel confirmed they were identical in composition. Despite initial challenges in pinpointing the source of the leak within the ship, a comprehensive four-day inspection of the engine room revealed that a malfunction, linked to a deteriorating intermediate valve during the oil transfer process, had permitted the waste oil to escape into the sea. Additionally, investigators garnered a confession from a crew member regarding the incident. The Coastguard plans to seek compensation from the operators of the 'Kapitan Teplyukov' for expenses related to the cleanup operation, which involved manpower and oil-absorbent materials. For detailed coverage and images, visit the report at Chosun: https://www.chosun.com/english/national-en/2025/09/30/3N63KC46TBB25I4L6ZFAPTOHFQ/