The Natig-Aliyev: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

The vessel NATIG ALIYEV (IMO: 9194000) has come to the attention of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) due to abandonment concerns. This ship, flagged under St. Kitts & Nevis, is docked at the Port of Istanbul, Turkiye, with its crew facing significant financial hardships. Currently, the NATIG ALIYEV has accrued three months of unpaid wages affecting a total of 12 seafarers aboard. The affected crew comprises individuals from Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye, highlighting the international nature of maritime employment. The ITF was notified about this troubling situation on May 1, 2026, and the case remains open as authorities work towards a resolution. The ongoing plight of these seafarers underscores the critical need for vigilance in the maritime industry, where crew abandonment remains a significant issue. This report is part of the ITF Seafarers abandonment list, which aims to track and address instances of crew abandonment worldwide, ensuring that seafarers' rights are upheld and their welfare protected.

The 'Caminero', a former Russian-flagged tanker, was temporarily detained by Georgia's Coastguard in the nation’s territorial waters while navigating from Kulevi to Constanta, with an estimated time of arrival set for January 11, 2026. The authorities cited violations of navigation regulations as the reason for the detention. Following a fine imposed on the vessel's captain, the 'Caminero' received clearance to resume its journey. Originally registered under the Russian flag until late 2022, the tanker has since re-registered in Panama in response to Western sanctions aimed at curbing Russia's maritime oil trade. Officials from Georgia clarified that the detention was solely focused on ensuring technical and navigational compliance and was not indicative of any sanctions enforcement. After the inspection and subsequent fine, the ship was allowed to continue without any further restrictions.

On December 16, 2023, the 'Natig Aliyev' faced detention at Piraeus due to an alarming 17 deficiencies, with six significant issues leading to its hold at the port. Key deficiencies included the expiration of the seafarers' employment contracts, unpaid wages, and serious fire safety concerns such as inoperative remote control systems in machinery spaces, inadequate fire doors, and malfunctioning fire dampers. Furthermore, the vessel was reported for structural corrosion on its decks. After addressing the critical issues, the 'Natig Aliyev' was permitted to leave Piraeus on December 22, setting its course for Rotterdam, with an estimated time of arrival on January 5, 2026. This incident highlights ongoing challenges in maritime safety and compliance in the shipping industry.

A maritime incident occurred in the Black Sea involving the cargo vessel 'Begonia S' (IMO: 9445540), which was traveling from Varna to Novorossiysk. The vessel collided with the tanker 'Natig Aliyev' while both ships were positioned between the Russian ports of Gelendzhik and Novorossiysk. Fortunately, the damage sustained was minimal, enabling both vessels to resume their journeys promptly. The collision took place at an anchorage area amid challenging weather conditions when the 'Natig Aliyev' lost grip on its anchor and drifted towards the 'Begonia S', resulting in slight damage to the cargo ship's bow. Additionally, the rudder blade of the tanker became ensnared in the anchor chain. Remarkably, there were no injuries reported, and the incident did not lead to any environmental contamination. For further details and video coverage of the incident, visit the link: https://www.vesti.az/v-mire/sudno-natig-aliyev-stolknulos-s-suxogruzom-v-cernom-more-video-538303.

In a significant development, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has once again intervened to assist a Russian crew of 19, anchored south of Skagen, Denmark. Following extensive negotiations, the crew members of the Turkish/Russian tanker, Natig Aliyev, received a total of $324,370 in unpaid wages. The vessel had been anchored for nearly eight months before Danish authorities released it after the resolution of the wage dispute. The new charterer of the Natig Aliyev procured the funds for the crew's back pay, as confirmed by a representative from CO-Sea, a Danish labor organization. “This is the second occasion in just six months where the ITF had to take decisive action to ensure that the crew members receive their rightful wages. Moreover, this marks the third instance within a year where Palmali Shipping, the Turkish/Russian company operating the vessel, has been found in violation of international maritime regulations designed to protect seafarers’ rights, specifically the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC),” a CO-Sea spokesperson stated. This case highlights the ongoing challenges seafarers face regarding wage disputes and the vital role of organizations like the ITF in advocating for their rights.

After enduring a lengthy eight-month period anchored off the coast, the 'Natig Aliyef' has secured a new charterer, enabling the payment of overdue wages for its 19-member crew. The vessel has officially departed Danish waters, concluding over seven months of mooring in Aalbæk Bay, and is now en route to Tallinn, with an expected arrival on September 30. The 'Natig Aliyef' was under arrest starting in February, following disputes involving Eiger Shipping, a subsidiary of the major oil corporation Lukoil. Lukoil had initially chartered the ship in 2015, subsequently transferring it to Palmali before the contract's expiration. During this time, Eiger Shipping had taken responsibility for covering the ship's bunker costs and had prepaid crew wages for a limited term, leaving many of the crew – comprising 16 Russians and 3 Ukrainians – without pay for an extended duration. Thanks to intervention by the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), the new charterer has now compensated the crew a substantial sum, amounting to approximately 2.6 million Danish crowns. This development marks a significant relief for the crew and a new chapter for the 'Natig Aliyef' as it continues its maritime journey.

On May 18, 2015, Palmaly Group proudly announced the delivery of its latest addition, the 7,100 DWT tanker, Begim Aslanova. This vessel marks the ninth entry in the Volga-Don Max series designed for mixed 'river-sea' navigation under the project designation RST22M, with hull number 079, as reported by the Marine Engineering Bureau. The construction of this advanced tanker began with its keel laying on November 18, 2013, and it was successfully launched in Turkey on November 14, 2014. Begim Aslanova is set to enhance Palmaly Group's capacity in the maritime transport sector.