Read Authentic Ratings for the Ocean-Koi

In a dramatic operation on May 8, 2025, the Iranian Navy successfully seized the oil tanker 'Ocean Koi,' previously known as 'Jin Li' since November 30, 2025, for allegedly attempting to export Iranian oil despite sanctions. At the time of its last reported position, the vessel was uncrewed (NUC) at coordinates 24° 26' N 058° 05' E. This tanker has a history of transporting Iranian hydrocarbons, having made at least 16 shipments since 2021, all while Iran was fully aware of its activities. Approximately half of these were conducted directly at ports in Iran, while the remainder involved Ship-to-Ship (STS) transfers further offshore. The tanker was placed under U.S. sanctions by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on February 25, prompting Barbados to de-register the vessel, resulting in its technical status as stateless or operating under a false flag during its seizure. The incident raised concerns about the vessel's role in potentially disrupting or illicitly exporting Iranian oil. Intelligence reports utilizing AIS Spoofing techniques revealed that on the day of the seizure, the ship's Automatic Identification System (AIS) broadcasted a position within the Gulf of Oman, while analysis indicated a discrepancy between those coordinates and its actual location. This suggests that 'Ocean Koi' employed evasive maneuvers to obscure its movements. Given the vessel's deep integration into Iran's oil trade framework, the seizure served dual strategic goals for Tehran: asserting control over the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions with the United States. By capturing this sanctioned asset, Iran reinforced its position, effectively securing it from international oversight while presenting a facade of legal proceedings.

The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has documented the abandonment of the vessel CIMARRON, identified by its IMO number 9255933. Registered under the flag of Cameroon, CIMARRON is currently docked in Zhoushan, China. The ITF received a report regarding the fate of CIMARRON on October 1, 2023, and the case is still classified as open. Notably, the ship has a crew of 29 seafarers, hailing primarily from India and Pakistan, who are reportedly owed outstanding wages, though the exact amount is yet to be confirmed. This incident is part of the ITF's ongoing efforts to monitor and report on cases of crew abandonment globally, shedding light on the challenges faced by maritime workers around the world.

A maritime asset has been successfully sold for an estimated $6.8 million to undisclosed buyers. The sale was finalized recently, with the ship expected to undergo its scheduled special survey and dry dock (SS/DD) by January 2019. Details regarding the identity of the buyers remain confidential.

The tanker 'Genmar Companion' has arrived at Harland and Wolff in Belfast on January 22, following a significant delay due to damage sustained on its upper deck. The vessel will undergo crucial repairs to address the cracks discovered during recent inspections. For more details, including photos, visit the report at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-16682173.

The maritime community has expressed relief following the completion of the lightering operation involving the tanker 'Genmar Companions,' which has now been safely emptied of 54,000 tonnes of oil as of January 7. The procedure necessitated a one-mile exclusion zone around the vessel to ensure the tugs could operate without incident, allowing the transfer to the 'BW Seine' to proceed smoothly. With the ship now sitting higher in the water, it is scheduled to arrive at Belfast Harbour in the coming days for necessary repairs. The State’s Representative (SOSREP) for Maritime Salvage and Intervention commended the team for their successful navigation of challenging weather conditions during the ship-to-ship transfer. Recognition was given to all parties involved for their efforts in bringing this operation to a safe conclusion. For more details, visit the report here: http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/local/oil_transfer_from_tanker_successful_1_3400273.