The Monte-Bianco: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

Three cargo vessels hailing from Syria—the 'Bayeze D' (formerly known as 'Finikia'), 'Monte Rosa' (previously 'Laodicea', IMO 9274343), and 'San Damian' (formerly 'Souria', IMO 9274331)—are under scrutiny for their suspected involvement in trafficking grain pilfered from areas of Ukraine currently under Russian control. Recent investigations have uncovered documents suggesting that the Seychelles-based company operating these vessels may serve as a front for the regime of the ousted dictator, Bashar Al-Assad. For over a decade, these ships were part of Syria’s General Authority for Maritime Transport, a governmental body linked to Assad’s administration. Notably, in August 2015, the U.S. imposed sanctions on these freighters due to their role in supporting the Syrian regime's violent actions during the ongoing civil conflict. In April 2023, the Syrian General Authority for Maritime Transport transferred ownership of the 'Finikia' and 'Souria' to AlHouda Holding, a Seychelles firm established in January 2019, for a mere $1 each. The third vessel, 'Laodicea', was also sold to the same company around that time. The European Union has since placed sanctions on these ships, adding to their growing global scrutiny. Although the identity of AlHouda's owner remains undisclosed, the company's director holds significant shares in an entity recognized by the EU as a front for the Assad dynasty. Additionally, management of these vessels has been linked to Taher Kayali, a businessman under sanctions for alleged maritime trafficking involving the narcotic Captagon. In a notable development, the ships were recently sanctioned by the European Union for their connections to Russia's so-called shadow fleet. Earlier this year, in June, the U.S. Treasury Department lifted sanctions on several Syrian entities and individuals, marking a shift following the ousting of Assad's government. Since being sold in 2023, these cargo vessels have been maneuvering through trade routes marked by significant obfuscation, employing various aliases, falsely representing their country of registration, and frequently disabling their AIS signals. Ukrainian authorities have accused all three vessels of being part of a fleet implicated in the expropriation of approximately 15 million tons of Ukrainian grain since Russia’s invasion in 2022.

In a decisive move to strengthen its stance against Russia's military operations, the European Union has unveiled a new sanctions package on December 16, 2024, during the Foreign Affairs Council meeting. This latest directive adds 52 vessels, including the notable 'San Severus', to the sanctions list, signaling a direct response to activities supporting Russia's ongoing war efforts. Targeted vessels are primarily engaged in actions that undermine the oil price cap established by Western nations, participate in arms deliveries, and are involved in the transportation of pilfered grain. With this update, the total number of vessels sanctioned by the EU now stands at 79, reflecting the bloc's commitment to curbing the transportation of Russian oil and arms. Additionally, the sanctions package encompasses a broader crackdown, targeting 54 individuals and 30 entities recognized as contributors to Russia's military actions. Among those sanctioned are entities and figures from China and North Korea, identified as suppliers of dual-use materials that bolster Russia’s war capabilities. Specifically, two high-ranking North Korean officials and seven individuals and companies from China have been included in the list. This robust sanctions strategy aims to escalate operational costs for Russia by restricting access to EU ports and diminishing their ability to receive essential maritime services.

The illicit trade of stolen Ukrainian grain persists as the bulk carrier 'Finikia' embarks on a controversial journey. Recently loaded with grain in Sevastopol, this vessel is now making its way towards Syria. Turkish authorities have been alerted to take action to prevent the 'Finikia' from traversing the Bosphorus or making dockings at Turkish ports. Registered to Syriamar, Syria's state-owned shipping agency, this company has been under U.S. sanctions since 2015 due to its ties with the Assad regime. Despite these sanctions, operations by Syriamar and its fleet have continued unabated. Notably, the 'Finikia' has crossed the Bosphorus twice in the past two months, deliberately disabling its AIS (Automatic Identification System) during these transits. It reactivates its signal only upon returning to the Turkish Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) zone, where AIS operation is a regulatory requirement. This pattern suggests that the crew is intentionally masking their vessel's movements to evade detection. As of May 24, the 'Finikia' was reported to be anchored off Iskenderun. Ukrainian intelligence agencies assert that the grain is often laundered through Syrian channels for distribution in surrounding markets, raising international concerns about grain trafficking amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

A significant fire erupted aboard a vessel in Lattakia on August 10, 2021. Emergency response teams quickly mobilized to tackle the blaze, ensuring the safety of those on board. The incident highlights ongoing maritime safety concerns. For more details, watch the footage here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAfOh0Hfbn4.