Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Sikar

Three oil tankers transporting Russian crude are currently anchored on either side of the Suez Canal and within the Persian Gulf, reflecting the severe impact of tightened international sanctions. The vessels in question—the 'Monte 1' (IMO: 9297553) and the 'Sikar' (IMO: 9326317)—are stranded as they await confirmation of their delivery destinations. Meanwhile, the third ship, the 'Dignity' (IMO: 9283241), is facing detention by Sphinx Shipping based in Port Said due to outstanding unpaid bills. Compounding these challenges, 22 Russian crew members have initiated legal action against the ship's owner, Argo Tankers, through the Russian Seamen's Union SUR, citing overdue wages. This lawsuit follows an earlier one filed in August 2025. The crew not only seeks their salaries but also demands basic supplies for the ship, which operates under the flag of Guinea. Currently, provisions like food and water are dwindling, and the fuel reserves are nearing critical levels. The Argo Tankers vessel has been on the US sanctions list since early 2025, with both the UK and EU imposing similar measures later in the year. Both the 'Sikar' and 'Monte 1', flagged to Gambia, have been idle since late October after loading oil in the Russian port of Primorsk, holding a total of approximately 1.5 million barrels of oil between them. Their prolonged inactivity showcases the effectiveness of recent sanctions, further compounded by Russia's mounting challenges in offloading its oil supplies. In a decisive move, the US has recently rolled out stricter regulations targeting firms that procure oil from major Russian oil conglomerates, Rosneft and Lukoil. Major importing nations like India and China have reacted by pausing their purchases of Russian oil, resulting in a significant price decline of $8 per barrel, culminating in a $12 million drop in value for the oil aboard the stranded tankers.

On June 3, 2021, at 6:15 a.m., the 'Gstaad Grace' encountered a pipe malfunction in its engine room while navigating toward Brunsbüttel from Sullom Voe. At coordinates 60°31'49"N, 000°42'46"E, approximately 48 nautical miles east of Fetlar, crew members promptly initiated repair procedures on the defective pipe. Fortunately, the vessel maintained its ability to maneuver in accordance with the COLREGS standards during this incident. Following the successful repair, the 'Gstaad Grace' continued its journey, with its estimated time of arrival (ETA) set for June 5, carrying a substantial cargo of 80,336 tonnes of crude oil.

In a significant move within the maritime industry, a new charter agreement has been finalized for the vessel Solal. The terms of the charter stipulate a daily rate of $15,000, set to last for an entire year. This development not only underscores the ongoing demand for reliable maritime services but also highlights Solal's capabilities within the sector. As the market continues to evolve, this charter arrangement positions both the vessel and its operators for a profitable year ahead.

In a significant development in maritime contracting, PETROBRAS has successfully secured a new charter agreement set at a rate of $15,750. This charter is structured for a duration of two years, underlining PETROBRAS's commitment to enhancing its trading operations. The strategic move aims to bolster the company's operational efficiency in the energy sector.