Discover the Reyfa: Ratings & Maritime News

In a significant enforcement action, Indian Customs officials have detained the container vessel 'Reyfa' at Nhava Sheva Port, which was found to be carrying 309 containers of dry fruit. The vessel is under scrutiny for allegedly misrepresenting the origin of walnuts, claiming they were sourced from Afghanistan when, in fact, they were transported from Bandar Abbas, Iran. This misrepresentation appears aimed at exploiting benefits granted under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement, which allows for minimal or no customs duty on imports from Afghanistan, while goods from Iran are subject to full taxation. The investigation, which began following intelligence received by the Department of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), has resulted in the arrest of one individual connected to the case on February 16, 2026. Preliminary findings suggest that the duty evasion could amount to an astounding ₹50 crore. The 'Reyfa' arrived at the port on February 1, 2026, and was denied clearance after officials raised concerns regarding the authenticity of the consignments' declared origins. Given that Afghanistan lacks its own seaport, authorities are diligently questioning the crew and reviewing the documentation to uncover the true source of the dry fruits, particularly the walnuts in question. This incident underscores the ongoing efforts by Indian authorities to combat fraudulent trade practices and uphold customs regulations.

The cargo vessel 'Laurita Rickmers', which has a carrying capacity of 1,162 TEU and was built in 1998, is reported to be under negotiations with buyers in the Middle East for a price exceeding USD 3 million. This transaction signifies ongoing interest in the region for vessels of this caliber, reflecting current market trends.

CMA CGM has finalized a new charter agreement for a duration of 7 to 9 months, focusing on trading routes in West Africa. This strategic move aims to enhance their shipping capabilities in one of the world's most dynamic maritime regions, ensuring reliable service and increased efficiency. The decision reflects CMA CGM's commitment to expanding its global network and responding to market demands in West African trade.