Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Mestral

The cargo vessel 'Grace Felix' has finally been released after nearly nine months of detention by Albanian authorities. The ship was seized off Romano Port, near Durres, on February 20, 2023, amid suspicions that its petroleum cargo originated from Russia. Following a ruling from the first-instance court of general jurisdiction in Durres, both the vessel and its cargo are now free to proceed. The 'Grace Felix' departed the anchorage on December 23, 2023, ready to resume its operations after enduring the lengthy legal process.

On February 28, maritime authorities took decisive action by boarding the tanker 'Grace Felix' at the Durres anchorage, located in the Romano Port area. This intervention was executed following a detention order issued by the Prosecution Office. The vessel had been anchored at the coordinates 41° 16.64' N 019° 24.50' E since February 14, under suspicion of transporting 22,500 metric tonnes of diesel with potential ties to Russia. An earlier inspection on February 18 involved authorities questioning the ship's Master regarding the cargo details. In light of these developments, the vessel's owners have engaged legal counsel and are in the process of granting Power of Attorney to facilitate communication with authorities and explore the legal implications surrounding the situation.

On February 20, 2023, Albanian police, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, took control of the tanker 'Grace Felix' near Romano port close to Durres. The vessel, loaded with 22,500 tonnes of petroleum, has an estimated market value exceeding 40 million Euros. Authorities detained all 22 crew members aboard, as suspicions arose regarding the origins of the oil, believed to be sourced from Russia. The tanker had claimed its cargo was sourced in Kalamata from another vessel, but this explanation did not satisfy the Albanian officials, who remain convinced of the Russian link to the petroleum shipment.