Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Patria

In a notable development, Russia's military is once again engaged in exporting military equipment. On April 30, a convoy comprising three heavy freighters and a Russian Navy frigate was sighted traversing the Baltic Sea. Flying the Russian flag, the freighter 'Jiaganghangbeng 01' was escorted by the frigate 'Boikiy', which cleverly adopted a Chinese name for camouflage purposes. The accompanying heavy-lift carriers, 'Baltic Leader', 'Patria', and 'Siyanie Severa', appear to be fully loaded, indicating a substantial cargo weighing over 10,000 tons, as inferred from its draft. This convoy departed on the evening of April 29, setting sail from Baltiysk, Russia's principal naval base in Kaliningrad, and is headed towards the Mediterranean region. Observing the convoy closely are units from the Danish Navy and the German Federal Police. The task force vessel 'Bamberg' has been trailing the 'Boikiy' since it left Rügen, maneuvering through the Kadet Trench and the Fehmarn Belt. NATO forces are also poised to monitor this significant maritime movement in the upcoming weeks. This operation marks the largest Russian military transport movement in the Baltic since January 2022, when six landing ships departed with equipment destined for Ukraine, transferring to the Black Sea. The last instance of a similar convoy to the Mediterranean occurred in December, which included heavy-lift freighters 'URSA Major' and 'Sparta'. Unfortunately, the 'URSA Major' met with disaster, sinking off the Algerian coast due to an explosion on December 23. Speculation has surged regarding the convey's destination, which may include Libya, given Russia's intensified activity in the Sahel region. Satellite imagery has revealed increased construction efforts at the Maaten al-Sarra military airport in Libya, a strategic location that has remained dormant since 2011. This base could serve as a launch point for military equipment deliveries to neighboring countries such as Sudan, Niger, Chad, and Burkina Faso. The utilization of roll-on/roll-off vessels within this convoy suggests the transportation of military vehicles, raising eyebrows regarding the prioritization of conflict in Ukraine. Notably, in 2024, a significant volume of military equipment previously sourced from Syria was redirected to support operations in Ukraine.

The vessel 'Patria' (IMO 9159921) has docked at the Norder Yard in Hamburg for essential repairs following a collision with the 'San Benedetto' on the morning of October 26, 2010. The incident has necessitated immediate attention to restore the vessel's operational capabilities.