What Crew Members Say About Seliger

In a decisive move, the United Kingdom has broadened its sanctions against Russia, introducing a fresh package specifically aimed at the shipping, banking, and industrial sectors. This update features six vessels under scrutiny for their role in transporting Russian energy exports, alongside an Indian ship management company. On August 6, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office revealed the details of these sanctions, which incorporate 19 new designations into the Russia sanctions framework, encompassing ships, firms, banks, and an individual. At the forefront of the maritime sanctions is the 'Arctic Express' (IMO: 9333591), a vessel implicated in the transportation of liquefied natural gas sourced from Russia to other nations. Currently operating under the Russian flag, the 'Arctic Express' is managed by SMP Tech Management LLP. Adding to this list is Frion Ship Management LLP, a Mumbai-based company accused of facilitating the sale of the 'Arctic Express', now facing asset freezes, restrictions on trust services, and maritime sanctions. The UK has also enacted shipping sanctions against five oil tankers known to have transported Russian crude oil or petroleum products to foreign markets: - 'Perseas' (IMO: 9326811), thought to fly the San Marino flag. - 'Torvian' (IMO: 9470131), registered in Barbados. - 'Asteras' (IMO: 9402263), flagged under Palau. - 'Visund' (IMO: 9378864), also registered in Palau. - 'Zenturo' (IMO: 9346885), believed to be flagged in Barbados. These specified ships are now forbidden from docking at UK ports, face the threat of detention, and are prohibited from being chartered or operated by UK entities. Furthermore, they are subject to extensive restrictions on maritime services, which include chartering, brokering, technical assistance, financial services, and crew support. The sanctions package extends to Northern Engineering LLC, which has been involved in Russia's vital energy sector, four industrial companies implicated in supplying goods or technologies relevant to Russia's ongoing military operations, and five financial institutions, including Ozon Bank and the Russian Export-Import Bank, which now face asset freezes and limitations on correspondent banking activities. This latest round of sanctions reinforces the UK’s commitment to dismantling the maritime networks that enable Russian energy exports, a strategy that has intensified since the onset of the Ukraine conflict. London continues to leverage shipping-specific sanctions to hold accountable the vessels, operators, and service providers implicated in the distribution of Russian oil and LNG to global markets.

A vessel has been successfully sold to a Norwegian buyer for a total of approximately $23.2 million. The deal is expected to close by March 2019, marking a significant transaction in the maritime industry. This sale highlights the ongoing demand for quality vessels in the Norwegian maritime market. Stay tuned for further updates on this and other maritime news.