Marquise Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On May 15, the vessel 'Marquise' was towed through the iconic Bosphorus Strait by a fleet of tugboats to reach a shipyard, where it will undergo necessary repairs due to significant engine room damage. The operation was closely monitored, with the lifeboats 'KEGM 7', 'KEGM 8', 'KEGM 9', and 'KEGM 11' providing an escort for the convoy, ensuring a safe transit through one of the world's busiest maritime routes.

On April 29, 2026, a significant incident unfolded 210 kilometers southeast of Tuapse when Ukrainian unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) launched a strike against the 'Marquise', a vessel part of Russia’s shadow fleet. This tanker, which was not broadcasting an AIS signal and seemingly anchored at sea to receive a cargo shipment, suffered two drone hits targeting its stern, specifically impacting the engine room and propeller-rudder system. Although the extent of the damage remains under evaluation, the 'Marquise' has drawn international scrutiny for its operations. The tanker is on the sanctions list of several nations, including Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Canada, due to its history of transporting Russian-origin oil and petroleum products since December 2023. Notably, it is linked to Lidoil DMCC, a UAE-based operator flagged for employing deceptive shipping methods, including its operations within the Kerch Strait and the temporarily Russian-occupied ports in Crimea, while also disabling its AIS to camouflage its activities during ship-to-ship transfers. Furthermore, Ukrainian drone operations have extended beyond maritime targets, as reports indicate strikes on oil infrastructure within Russia, including facilities in Perm and Orsk during the night of April 29. Ukraine’s Security Service confirmed an attack specifically on an oil pumping station near Perm. In response, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted 98 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions such as Astrakhan, Belgorod, and Volgograd, as well as in Russian-occupied Crimea. Notably, Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine’s defense intelligence chief, highlighted that Ukrainian naval drones have successfully engaged Russian Su-30SM fighter jets over the Black Sea using US-supplied AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.

In a significant development reported on January 9, 2021, the shipping company Vangelis Marinakis has announced the release of four crew members who were abducted from the vessel 'Agisilaos.' The incident occurred on November 29 when the ship was hijacked in the Gulf of Guinea near the coast of Lome. Thankfully, all four individuals are now safe and will be undergoing thorough medical examinations to ensure their well-being. After local authorities are informed, they will make their way back home to be reunited with their families, who will provide continued support during this challenging time. Capital Ship Management expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in facilitating their safe return. Due to the sensitive circumstances surrounding this incident, no further details will be shared at this time.