Salammbo Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

In a decisive move reflecting Italy's commitment to maritime safety and environmental protection, the Italian Coast Guard has detained two vessels in the bustling port of Genoa. This action comes as part of an extensive inspection initiative, wherein ten foreign ships have been evaluated since the start of the year as mandated by Port State Control regulations. The detained ships, 'Commander' and 'Salammbo', faced significant safety and ecological compliance failures. The 'Commander' arrived in Genoa on January 21, 2025, and was flagged for inspection through a sophisticated targeting system implemented by the General Command of the Coast Guard. This advanced system, carefully developed in alignment with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport’s goals, analyzes multiple data points about vessels, including the operational history of the company, the ship's flag, and outcomes from prior inspections (more information can be found at https://www.parismou.org/detentions-banning/white-grey-and-black-list). Following an in-depth analysis revealing the company's low performance and previously noted deficiencies, 'Commander' was prioritized for scrutiny. The ship was detained for three days before being cleared to depart after a successful re-inspection confirmed the rectification of technical, operational, and documentation issues, facilitating its passage to Samsun with an estimated arrival time of February 3. In contrast, the 'Salammbo', which docked in Genoa on January 19, was identified for inspection due to its high-risk profile. Significant issues were uncovered concerning the ship’s lifesaving equipment and wastewater treatment systems, both of which are in violation of stringent environmental regulations. Consequently, 'Salammbo' remains at the Genoa Port Terminal, awaiting resolution of the identified critical issues before it may continue its journey.

The 'Salammbo', operated by the Tunisian Navigation Company (CTN), was detained by Italian authorities upon its arrival at the Port of Genoa on January 19, 2025, triggering alarm bells about the company’s maritime compliance. This incident marks the second time within just three months that a CTN vessel has been halted due to regulatory breaches. Previously, on November 13, 2024, the Coastguard in Livorno ordered the detention of the 'Amilcar', also from CTN. A report released on November 15 highlighted 23 deficiencies aboard the 'Amilcar', with 10 classified as serious violations of international maritime safety standards. These issues encompassed inadequate maintenance, subpar living conditions for crew members, and failure to meet essential certification requirements. Consequently, the ship was deemed unsafe and was mandated to remain docked until all violations were rectified. The General Federation of Transport issued a strong condemnation, stating that this is not an isolated occurrence but rather a recurring crisis reflecting severe negligence and mismanagement within the Tunisian Navigation Company. They expressed that any efforts to deflect blame or provide justifications only serve to further tarnish the reputation of CTN and undermine Tunisia's credibility in maritime operations. In light of these events, the Tunisian Ministry of Transport is expected to soon release an official statement addressing the circumstances surrounding the recent detention, especially following a critical meeting on January 15 between President Kais Saied, Head of Government Kamel Maddouri, and Minister of Transport Rachid Amri, aimed at tackling the mounting issues faced by Compagnie Tunisienne de Navigation.

On the morning of November 25, 2019, emergency medical assistance was requested by the ferry Salammbo after two crew members sustained significant injuries during an onboard accident. The incident left both individuals with severe wounds to their lower limbs. While the vessel was on its route from Genoa to Tunis, it was redirected to Cagliari for urgent treatment. A Coast Guard helicopter from Decimoannu, equipped with medical personnel, successfully intercepted the ferry near Capo Carbonara. The injured crew members were promptly evacuated and transferred to the Marine Hospital of Cagliari for further medical care. Following the emergency response, the Salammbo continued its voyage, ultimately arriving in Tunis by midday on November 26.