Working Conditions Aboard the Matros-Koshka

The bulk carrier 'Mikhail Nenashev' is among a fleet of approximately ten vessels actively involved in the controversial transport of grain from Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine, notably from Crimea. These ships primarily ferry grain sourced from key locations like Mariupol, Berdiansk, and Azov to Iran, capitalizing on the existing sanctions imposed by Western nations on Ukrainian grain exports, while Russian grain remains unaffected. The grain shipments occasionally go directly to Iranian ports; however, they are also frequently transloaded onto larger bulk carriers in the Kerch Strait through ship-to-ship operations. The situation highlights the challenging dynamics of international sanctions, as Russian operations continue despite ongoing conflicts. Ukrainian grain terminals, particularly in Izmail and Neri, face regular bombardments, yet evidence suggests that grain is still being smuggled from Sevastopol. Recently, the 'Mikhail Nenashev' was tracked en route to the Russian port of Kavkaz; its AIS signal vanished while anchored south of Crimea. Shortly after, satellite imagery confirmed the presence of an identical vessel loading at the Avlita terminal in Odesa. The shipping route continued to gain attention as the vessel was documented passing through the Bosphorus and later spotted in Bandar Khomeni, Iran, with its hatches open for loading. Furthermore, there have been instances where the AIS signal of these ships mysteriously disappears near Cyprus, only to re-emerge weeks later in the northern Black Sea. The fleet involved in this grain trafficking saga includes not only the 'Mikhail Nenashev' but also vessels such as 'Matros Shevchenko', 'Matros Koshka', and 'Matros Pozynich', currently bound for destinations in Syria and Iran. Notably, Turkey was also a recipient of these grain shipments during the early stages of the hostilities instigated by the Putin administration. Initially, all shipments were reported departing from Sevastopol; however, current trends indicate an expansion of origins, including Feodosia, Mariupol, Berdjansk, and Kerch ports. Furthermore, there have been recurring sightings of Syrian vessels at grain terminals within Sevastopol, amplifying concerns regarding the ongoing grain trade amidst geopolitical tensions.

In a significant development, Ukraine has formally reached out to Turkey, seeking assistance in probing the activities of three Russian-flagged bulk carriers: 'Mikhail Nenashev', 'Matros Pozynich', and 'Matros Koshka'. This request, made by Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office in a letter dated June 13, 2022, is part of a broader initiative to investigate the alleged theft of grain from regions in Ukraine currently under Russian control. The letter specifically calls on the Turkish Ministry of Justice to look into the involvement of these vessels in transporting grain that Ukraine claims was unlawfully taken from its territory, with a focus on areas such as Kherson. According to the correspondence, these ships departed from Sevastopol, Crimea's principal grain terminal, during April and May. Ukraine has urged Ankara to secure documentation regarding the cargo and the vessels' ports of arrival in Turkey. Notably, these ships are operated by a subsidiary of United Shipbuilding Corporation, a Russian state-owned entity that is currently under Western sanctions. Establishing that the United Shipbuilding Corporation facilitated the transportation of grain from regions recently occupied by Russian forces would further bolster Ukraine's allegations regarding the involvement of Russian state-owned enterprises in the export of what Kyiv contends is stolen property. Since the invasion of Ukraine in February, the Ukrainian government has consistently accused Russia of seizing grain, while Moscow has denied any claims of theft.

The bulk carrier 'Matros Koshka', implicated by Ukrainian authorities in the transport of grain unlawfully taken from Ukraine, re-emerged on the vessel tracking system, AIS, on June 9, 2022. This came after an unsettling nine-day silence from May 30, during which the vessel's AIS transmitter was switched off. The ship's tracking data has only intensified suspicions among Ukrainian officials. It is believed that during this period of concealment, 'Matros Koshka' may have made a stop at a yet-to-be-identified port, likely one in Syria, to offload its illicit cargo. Supporting evidence of these allegations was present in the vessel's earlier routes, as it was noted to be participating in dubious shipping operations alongside other bulk carriers. Notably, the 'Matros Poznych' was also recorded making clandestine trips, including a loading incident in Sevastopol, where there was a suspicious gap in its Black Sea navigational logs from May 18 to May 24.