Discover the Maymei: Ratings & Maritime News

The 'Maymei', a chemical tanker recently brought to Bangladesh for recycling, now finds itself immobilized at the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port following the imposition of US sanctions. These restrictions were enacted by the US Department of State and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) as part of the United States' ongoing efforts to disrupt Iran's petrochemical trade. The vessel docked at Chattogram on May 22, 2026, after being sold for dismantling. However, on May 28, just days after its arrival, the tanker was added to the US sanctions list, barring it from being processed at any nearby ship recycling facilities. This predicament has led the importer, SN Corporation, to initiate action to return the vessel to its original owner. Despite having an estimated scrap value of approximately $4.96 million, US authorities accuse the 'Maymei' of involvement in transporting Iranian petrochemical goods as recently as July 2024. Alongside the vessel's sanctions, the US government also targeted its Hong Kong-based owner and commercial manager, Ever Shining Ltd., and another vessel owned by the company, known as Flora. SN Corporation has yet to disburse the purchase funds, as discussions with the principal owner to retrieve the tanker are underway. Although the payment for the ship has not been released, the importer is still expected to face monetary losses due to this situation. This incident exemplifies the mounting difficulties that ship recycling operations are confronting as global sanctions are tightened and scrutiny increases regarding vessels associated with sanctioned entities or goods. If the 'Maymei' is successfully reclaimed, it would mark a unique event in Bangladesh's ship recycling sector, as it would be one of the few instances where an imported vessel could not be processed for scrapping due to sanctions imposed post-arrival.

On May 26, 2026, a vessel successfully arrived at the Chittagong Anchorage, marking an important moment for maritime activities in the region. The arrival at this key location further facilitates trade and logistics in the bustling Port of Chittagong, renowned for its significance in Bangladesh's shipping industry.