The Msc-Nairobi-X: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

The container vessel 'Joseph Schulte' is reportedly under new ownership, with the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) acquiring the ship following its dramatic escape from Odesa just a month ago. This sale comes at a valuation significantly lower than pre-conflict expectations, fetching approximately one-third of its initial worth since the onset of the Ukraine crisis. The acquisition process was initiated by the ship’s insurance company, leading to a competitive bidding process that concluded with MSC's successful bid.

On August 18, the container ship 'Joseph Schulte' made its way into the Bosphorus, successfully arriving in Istanbul after breaking through the Russian blockade in Odesa. The Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure's General Directorate of Coastal Safety facilitated the vessel's entry by providing essential pilotage and escort services, utilizing the tugboat 'Kurtarma 8' for safe navigation. For visuals capturing this noteworthy event, check out the following link: https://twitter.com/kiyiemniyet/status/1692434803012882914.

The container ship 'Joseph Schulte' departed from the port of Odesa on the morning of August 16, 2023, bound for Istanbul. This significant journey marks the vessel’s first movement after being immobilized for over 1.5 years due to the ongoing Russian blockade of Ukrainian ports. Ukraine recently unveiled a new temporary humanitarian corridor in the Black Sea aimed at facilitating the release of cargo ships stranded since the onset of the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022. However, uncertainty looms as Moscow has yet to affirm its commitment to respecting this maritime route. Safety concerns have also been raised by shipping and insurance sectors regarding the renewed navigation. The 'Joseph Schulte' had been docked in Odesa since February 23, 2022, just prior to the conflict's escalation. For more details and photos, visit Reuters at this link: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/container-ship-leaves-russian-blocked-ukrainian-port-odesa-kyiv-2023-08-16/