Phantom Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On February 13, 2020, the last eight crew members of the 'Severnaya Zemlya' were successfully repatriated to Russia, marking the conclusion of a prolonged port stay in Aviles that began in May 2018. The vessel was unable to depart due to an embargo placed on the shipowner's accounts. The repatriation process took place in stages, with the first group of six crew members departing on February 6. Although the shipowner covered the costs for the repatriation, outstanding salaries for the crew remain unpaid. Meanwhile, the Port Authority is moving forward with urgent arrangements to manage the vessel once the crew has left, as it continues to evaluate the ship's future. For further details and visuals, check the Spanish report here: https://www.elcomercio.es/aviles/tripulacion-severnaya-zemlya-20200213000840-ntvo.html?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F.

As of August 23, the bulk carrier 'Severnaya Zemlya' has been anchored in Gijón for three months after the Commercial Court issued a detention order on May 23. This order was triggered by a legal complaint concerning a fuel payment of approximately 200,000 Euros owed to a law firm in Málaga. The vessel had just arrived from Riga, fully unloading its cargo of 15,760 tons of coal at Raices dock before being shifted to Valliniello dock for operational reasons. Since its detention, the debt associated with port taxes has escalated, now totaling around 315,000 Euros, accumulating at an alarming rate of 1,260 Euros per day, exclusive of pilotage and towing fees. Currently, the 'Severnaya Zemlya' remains moored at Valliniello dock, awaiting resolution between its owner, the Russian shipping firm Murmansk Shipping, and the creditor. The crew, consisting of 21 members, has experienced partial changes in recent weeks but has fortunately not required external assistance, as they have sufficient funds to procure supplies and their basic necessities have been met. Contact with the crew has been maintained by the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), and they have also received necessary provisions, including water and fuel to keep the auxiliary engine operational, indicating the shipowner has not abandoned the vessel. There is cautious optimism from the former consignee that negotiations between the involved parties may lead to a resolution by September. Compounding the situation, another vessel from Murmansk Shipping, the 'Zapolyarye', has faced its own troubles since being anchored in Ceuta since July 28 over disputes concerning unpaid wages. Loaded with salt for delivery to Britain, this ship has had to rely on Red Cross assistance for its crew of 20, although food and water supplies were recently provided by the shipowner, who is also arranging for the repatriation of six crew members whose contracts have expired. The financial hurdles facing these ships appear to stem from substantial investments made in recent years for fleet expansion. For more details, visit the original Spanish report: https://www.elcomercio.es/aviles/buque-severnaya-zemlya-20180823000851-ntvo.html.

The bulk carrier 'Severnaya Zemlya', which docked in Aviles on May 23, 2018, faces commercial arrest following a ruling from the mercantile court due to alleged unpaid bunker costs and outstanding debts. As of June 15, the vessel remains at the port. Notably, on May 18, the ship arrived near Aviles with a cargo of 15,000 tons of coal, which it successfully discharged at the Raíces dock. During this period, the Maritime Captaincy in Avilés became aware of a seizure order associated with the vessel's owner, Murmansk Sg Co., amidst claims linked to local businesses. The precise origin of the debts has not been disclosed, but they are reportedly connected to transactions with regional companies. A resolution regarding this situation is anticipated within the week. Meanwhile, the Port Authority of Avilés instructed the vessel's captain to relocate to a different berth to facilitate continued loading and unloading activities in Raíces. Consequently, 'Severnaya Zemlya' moved across the estuary to dock at Valliniello, a less busy area. The consignee, who had previously managed the owner's contracts in Avilés but stepped down amid complications, confirmed that the crew of 20 was in good health and had adequate provisions and supplies for life aboard. Importantly, the ship is not listed on any international maritime blacklists, indicating that the owner is unlikely to abandon it. For further details, refer to the Spanish report with accompanying photographs available at: http://www.lne.es/aviles/2018/06/14/barco-ruso-lleva-28-dias/2303011.html.