Discover the Pushpa: Ratings & Maritime News

On March 30, 2025, the Brest criminal court handed down a one-year prison sentence along with a €150,000 fine to Chen Zhangjie, a 39-year-old Chinese captain of the vessel originally known as 'Boracay', now operating under the name 'Phoenix'. Chen was tried in absentia after the ship was seized off Brittany’s coast on September 27, 2025. The prosecution, led by deputy prosecutor Gabriel Rollin, sought the maximum penalty, claiming Chen had demonstrated hostility towards French military efforts during the tanker’s journey toward India, where it was reportedly sailing without a flag. The vessel, linked to Russia's shadow fleet, has a history of changing both its name and flag multiple times. In a notable incident, the captain allegedly delayed flag operation despite being engaged in risky maneuvers, endangering military personnel. During the seizure at 2:32 p.m., Chen initially explained that they could not display a flag due to rainy conditions. However, the crew raised the flag of Benin an hour later, despite confirmation from Benin authorities that no oil tanker was registered there. After persistent requests from the French Navy, the French naval commandos finally boarded the 'Phoenix' at 4:00 p.m. without any resistance from its 26-member crew, which included two Russian security agents from Moran Security Group, who were set to disembark in Suez. In court, Chen's lawyer argued for complete acquittal, highlighting that his client was operating in international waters and had been compelled to wait for instructions from his shipowner before allowing the military on board, citing risks to his job. The case continues to raise significant questions regarding the conduct and legal responsibilities of vessels operating in international maritime space.

On February 23, a significant ruling came down from the Brest court regarding the former captain of the 'Phoenix', a vessel linked to the elusive Russian ghost fleet. The court imposed a one-year prison sentence along with a hefty fine of €150,000, marking the maximum penalty for this case. Captain Chen Zhangjie, aged 39, who is presently at sea, was summoned for his alleged involvement in the operations of the 'Phoenix', which was released by French authorities on October 2. An arrest warrant has consequently been issued for the captain as the investigation continues into the activities of the dark fleet.

The trial for Captain Chen Zhangjie, 39, of the tanker 'Boracay', also known as 'Phoenix', began on February 23, 2023, at the Brest criminal court in France, despite his absence as he remains at sea. Represented by lawyer Henri de Richemont, Captain Chen faces allegations of non-compliance with a French navy inspection while navigating international waters near Ushant Island on September 27, 2023. The vessel is under scrutiny for potentially being involved in drone overflights that caused disruptions to Danish air traffic in September. Notably, two crew members from Moran Security Group, a Russian private firm, were aboard the tanker at the time – one aged 34 and the other 40, with ties to the controversial Wagner Group. This case marks a significant legal pursuit, with Captain Chen being the sole individual prosecuted by the French authorities, facing a maximum penalty of up to one year in prison and a fine of €150,000. In response, his lawyer intends to challenge the court's jurisdiction, arguing that under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or the Montego Bay Convention, the courts of Benin, where the 'Boracay' was flagged, or China, Chen's nation of citizenship, should hold jurisdiction. As of February 23, the 'Boracay' was reported to be docked near the port of Rizhao, China.

Henri de Richemont, the legal representative for Zhangjie Chen, 39, the Chinese captain of the tanker initially known as 'Boracay', is poised to take a significant legal step. Currently operating under the name 'Phoenix' (also referred to as 'Pushpa') and sailing under the Russian flag since January 16, 2026, the vessel was seized off Brest's coast in 2025. De Richemont plans to petition the Brest court to declare its incompetence in the case, advocating for the matter to be referred to the Montego Bay Convention, an international treaty governing the law of the sea. The hearing is slated for February 23. The tanker, linked to the Russian shadow fleet and previously seized near Saint-Nazaire, cannot be adjudicated in a French court, according to the captain's attorney. Captain Chen, along with the first mate, was apprehended in early October 2025 in Brest after the French navy attempted to inspect the vessel that was then registered under the Beninese flag. The crew was accused of noncompliance with a stop order, an allegation made by French authorities. Additionally, the tanker was implicated in suspected drone overflights that caused disruptions to Danish air traffic, in violation of European sanctions. De Richemont is set to argue that under the provisions of the Montego Bay Convention, the captain should be tried either in his home country or where he resides, if found guilty of navigational offenses. Notably, the 'Phoenix' last set sail from Dongjiakou on February 5, heading towards the Russian port of Vostochniy.

The covert operations of Russia’s dark fleet, which transports crude oil often targeted by U.S. and Western sanctions, continue to face scrutiny. These operators frequently exploit flags of convenience to register their tankers, a tactic designed to evade regulatory oversight and circumvent imposed sanctions. Many countries that provide these flags have insufficient compliance measures, leading to opportunities for deception. In some instances, registrations can be fictitious or fraudulent, complicating traceability since certain nations lack comprehensive verification processes, and some do not even have maritime registration systems. A notable example is the Benin-flagged vessel 'Bocaray', which was captured by the French Navy off the coast of Brittany. Following its interception, the tanker was last reported heading towards the Suez Canal and has since docked in Port Said on October 14. This vessel has operated under multiple aliases, including 'Pushpa', 'Pacific Apollo', 'Virgo Su', 'P. Fos', 'Odysseus', 'Varuna', and 'Kiwala'. Throughout its journey, it has been registered under various flags, such as those of Hong Kong, Liberia, the Marshall Islands, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Mongolia, Gabon, and Djibouti. The intricate web of registrations highlights the ongoing challenges faced by global enforcement agencies in tracking maritime operations linked to sanctions evasion.

On October 2, the captain and chief officer, both reportedly of Chinese nationality, were once again freed from custody following their arrest. The captain is mandated to appear in court on February 23, 2026, facing allegations of disobeying orders from French naval forces during their boarding of the vessel on September 27, while it was navigating the Atlantic coast. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to one year in prison and fined around $175,000. This intervention was initiated due to suspicions raised by the Navy regarding discrepancies between the ship's declared nationality and its actual flags. While the vessel has claimed to be flying the flag of Benin since September 1, this assertion is widely viewed as a false flag operation. Initially, prosecutors indicated that both crew members could face charges related to the vessel's false identity but later clarified that the responsibility for this issue does not lie with the captain. Despite this, the captain still faces charges related to his failure to comply with orders, while the chief officer was released without any charges. Notably, the tanker has faced sanctions from both the UK and the EU due to its connections to the Russian oil trade and has previously been cited for AIS spoofing and inconsistencies about its identity and registration. It is suspected that it began operating under the clandestine shadow fleet in June. The French military personnel concluded their engagement with the tanker on October 2, after which the tanker lifted anchor at 11 p.m., with its estimated time of arrival in Suez projected for October 14. For more details, visit the original report with accompanying images at https://www.soefart.dk/article/view/1187680/mistaenkt_tankskib_sejler_fra_frankrig_efter_anholdelse_af_kaptajn.

In a significant operation, the captain and first mate of the tanker known as 'Pushpa,' previously referred to as 'Boracay,' have been detained by French authorities off the coast of Saint-Nazaire. This vessel, blacklisted by the European Union in February under the alias 'Kiwala' for allegedly breaching sanctions on Russian oil, was intercepted by French forces as it loitered in the waters off Saint-Nazaire. The tanker had been spotted in the vicinity of Denmark from September 22nd to 25th, coinciding with an increase in drone sightings over the area that led to temporary airport closures and a complete ban on civilian drone flights. While French President Emmanuel Macron indicated that the vessel is under investigation for "serious offences," he did not confirm any direct link between its detention and the drone activities. French prosecutors revealed that the two detained crew members, claiming to be the captain and the first mate, were taken into custody for failing to prove the vessel's nationality and for not obeying the instructions of authorities. These developments heighten scrutiny over the 'Pushpa' and its activities as international maritime laws continue to be enforced more rigorously.

On September 30, the French Navy announced that it is probing the 'Pushpa', a tanker traveling from Primorsk to Vadinar, for a possible regulatory infraction. This vessel is currently under British and EU sanctions due to its ties with Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The investigation was initiated after a formal complaint was filed with the public prosecutor’s office in Brest on September 29 regarding the ship's activities. The 'Pushpa' was initially escorted by a French naval ship in international waters before it altered its course and anchored in the Bay of Biscay. This vessel has come under scrutiny recently as it was seen in Danish waters around the same time as alarming drone occurrences in Copenhagen and Northern Jutland from September 22 to 25. During this period, unidentified drones prompted the temporary closure of airspace and multiple airports, including Copenhagen and Aalborg. Notably, on September 27, the 'Pushpa' was spotted maneuvering around the vicinity of the wind farm off Saint-Nazaire, which lies adjacent to French territorial waters. The Danish Navy hinted at possible links between Russian shadow vessels and the recent drone activity affecting Danish infrastructures. While the prosecutor's investigation focuses on the absence of legitimate documentation regarding the 'Pushpa's’ nationality and flag affiliation, it remains uncertain if there's a direct correlation to the drone incidents in Denmark. Reports indicate that the tanker has exhibited behaviors typical of maritime evasion tactics, including confirmed automatic identification system (AIS) spoofing with false signals between July 5 and August 30, 2024, while masquerading as 'Boracay'. The vessel has a concerning history of regulatory gaps concerning its port calls and potential irregularities involving its classification, protection and indemnity coverage, and ISM Manager compliance. The European Union and the UK instituted sanctions against the 'Pushpa' in October 2024 and February 2025, respectively, linking it to the transportation of Russian crude oil and petroleum products while engaging in perilous maritime practices. These operations are believed to support the Russian government and destabilize Ukraine through the manipulation of oil transport routes. Changing its name to 'Boracay' in December 2024, the tanker was previously known as 'Kiwala', 'Odysseus', 'P. Fos', and 'Varuna', attempting to navigate under flags from Gabon, the Marshall Islands, Liberia, and Mongolia. In April 2025, Estonia released the 'Kiwala' after detaining it for operating without a legitimate flag. The 'Pushpa' is part of a network of shadow fleet tankers involved in Russia's oil trade, characterized by unclear ownership and insurance, often being older than 20 years. As of October 1, the vessel was anchored at coordinates 47° 04' N 002° 50' W, near Saint Nazaire.

A significant incident unfolded on the night of September 22, 2025, when three ships came under scrutiny for their alleged involvement in a drone attack that resulted in the shutdown of Copenhagen Airport. The cargo m/v 'Astrol 1' (IMO: 9906544) was reportedly one of those vessels, which undertook erratic maneuvers as it navigated through the Øresund Strait during the attack. This curious behavior coincided with the appearance of large drones disrupting operations at Kastrup Airport, one of Northern Europe’s busiest aviation hubs, leading to the cancellation or diversion of around 150 flights. The ongoing investigation has focused on the activities of the 'Astrol 1', which is currently under sanctions, raising security alarms amid its suspicious conduct. Observers noted that the vessel’s movements suggested possible coordination with the drone assaults that targeted the airport. Another vessel under scrutiny is the 'Pushpa', flagged in Benin and previously sanctioned for transporting Russian oil. The ship was closely monitored for four hours by a German NATO warship, indicating the heightened concerns regarding its role during the drone incident. Compounding the mystery, the Norwegian cargo ship m/v 'Oslo Carrier 3' (IMO: 9366146) was situated approximately seven kilometers from Kastrup Airport while authorities pursued the drones. Adding to the intrigue, the ship's crew included several Russian-speaking members, while the ownership is linked to offices in Kaliningrad, Russia. This connection has prompted further investigation into the vessel’s operations close to the airport amid the chaotic drone activity. The drone assault on Copenhagen Airport marks one of the most serious breaches of aviation security in Scandinavian history. With Kastrup Airport servicing about 30 million passengers each year, the scale of this coordinated attack reveals vulnerabilities in crucial infrastructure, compelling authorities to scrutinize not only the airspace but also the maritime activities surrounding key transportation hubs.

The tanker 'Kiwala', previously detained in Estonia due to its lack of a valid flag state registration, has been released after receiving temporary registration from Djibouti. This vessel is rumored to be affiliated with the Russian 'shadow fleet', which seeks to bypass international sanctions. After setting sail on April 26, the 'Kiwala' successfully reached the Russian port of Ust-Luga on April 29.

In a notable maritime inspection, Estonian authorities discovered a staggering 40 deficiencies aboard the shadow tanker 'Kiwala', which was apprehended in the Baltic Sea by the Estonian Navy. The inspection, conducted by the Transport Administration over a full day, revealed that 29 of these deficiencies were significant enough to warrant the vessel's detention. Among the critical issues identified were 23 documentation-related shortcomings, alongside failures in the ship’s safety management systems, crew emergency preparedness protocols, and various technical malfunctions. The 'Kiwala' was found to be operating without a valid flag state or insurance, raising serious concerns over safety at sea and potential risks to the marine environment. The Chinese captain of the vessel claimed it was registered in Djibouti; however, this assertion was dismissed by Djibouti, which confirmed it could not locate the ship in its registry due to previous illegal activities that led to the flag's withdrawal. Notably, this tanker has changed ownership and names multiple times over recent years. Having entered the Gulf of Finland on April 10 without the necessary flag state certification, the 'Kiwala' became the subject of scrutiny as it navigated into Estonia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Estonian authorities exercised their rights and responsibilities under international maritime law to intercept the stateless vessel, which was en route to Ust-Luga in Russia. It is important to note that sailing without a flag places a vessel beyond national jurisdiction, in violation of established international maritime regulations. The crew onboard consists of 24 members, the majority hailing from China, while others are from Mauritania. Furthermore, the 'Kiwala' is currently under sanctions imposed by the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, and Switzerland due to its involvement in past illicit activities. For more detailed information, you can view the inspection report with accompanying images at the link provided.

In a significant maritime enforcement action, the Estonian Navy apprehended the Russian tanker 'Kiwala' on April 11, 2025. This vessel, linked to Russia's clandestine shipping operations, specializes in transporting Russian crude oil and oil products to various third-party nations. The operation commenced at the early hours of April 11, around 3 a.m., with strategic preparations initiated the previous evening. At 4:19 a.m., 'Kiwala' crossed into Estonian waters, specifically positioned east of Aegna Island, with two naval warships closely monitoring the situation. The tanker, previously sanctioned by the European Union due to its past activities, was en route to the Russian port of Ust-Luga without any flag, which contravenes maritime regulations. During the capture, officials conducted thorough inspections of the vessel's condition and scrutinized the credentials of all 24 crew members aboard, including their captain—a Chinese national who is currently cooperating with authorities in the ongoing investigation. In recent times, 'Kiwala' had been flying the flag of Djibouti. For further details and visual coverage of this maritime incident, please visit: https://censor.net/en/photonews/3546274/russian-shadow-fleet-tanker-kiwala-detained-in-estonia