Sinar-Ternate Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On October 14, 2025, the tanker 'Sinar Ternate' was detained by authorities from the Tokyo Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) shortly after its arrival from Singapore at Qinzhou port. An initial inspection revealed 13 deficiencies on board, with six categorized as severe enough to warrant detention. As of October 16, the vessel remained anchored in port, pending further evaluations and necessary remedial actions.

The IM Skaugen-operated tanker Norgas Cathinka has regained its freedom following over six months of detention in Indonesia. Although the vessel is now free, two of its crew members continue to face detention and await trial. The release occurred late on April 8, 2023, after IM Skaugen and its insurance partners reached an out-of-court settlement with the owners of the ferry Bahuga Jaya, following a tragic collision on September 26, 2012. The Norgas Cathinka and its remaining crew are now nearing the entrance of the bustling Singapore port.

IM Skaugen has expressed strong dissatisfaction with Indonesian authorities following the ongoing detention of its vessel, the Norgas Cathinka. This legal saga began after a tragic collision on September 26, 2012, involving the Norgas Cathinka and the Bahuga Jaya, a 40-meter ferry, which regrettably claimed the lives of seven passengers and one crew member. The company asserts that evidence from the vessel’s voyage data recorder clearly indicates that the Norgas Cathinka was not at fault in this incident. IM Skaugen highlighted the ongoing judicial challenges they face in Indonesia, noting a lack of transparency in the legal proceedings. "The aftermath has proven to be very challenging due to a far from transparent juridical process in Indonesia, and we are still waiting for the ship and its crew to be released," the company stated. The financial impact on IM Skaugen has been substantial, with estimated losses reaching $400,000 per month in earnings. "This complex and opaque process in Indonesia is making it feel increasingly like a ‘hostage situation’,” they added. The situation remains unresolved as the company continues to seek the return of the Norgas Cathinka and its crew.

The fate of the 'Norgas Cathinka,' currently held at Merak Port following a collision with the passenger ferry 'Bahuga Jaya' on September 26, remains uncertain as its operator appeals for the vessel's release on November 6. Norgas Carriers emphasizes the urgent need for repairs to address the hazardous cargo of 3,045 metric tons of propylene, a highly volatile and explosive chemical. Prolonged detention of the tanker poses significant risks, as the propylene continues to vaporize, creating increased pressure within the cargo tanks. This situation demands immediate attention as it could jeopardize public safety. To manage this pressure, the 'Norgas Cathinka' relies on two critical components: cargo compressors and safety relief valves for the cargo tanks. Scheduled maintenance for these systems was expected on October 14, but will be delayed until the cargo is offloaded, resulting in their usage beyond recommended intervals. Compounding the situation, the tanker’s collision raises concerns about potential hidden damages to its cargo handling systems, putting the vessel at risk. Any malfunction in the safety relief valves could lead to the release of vapor, while failure of the cargo compressors means the ship would be unable to liquefy the cargo as necessary. Such failures would result in dangerously high tank pressures, jeopardizing the safety of the ship and nearby environments. Indonesian authorities detained the vessel after the accident, which claimed the lives of 43 individuals aboard the ferry. Additionally, the police have named the Filipino captain, Ernesto Lat, and Chinese national chief officer Su Jibing as suspects in the case of criminal recklessness. I.M. Skaugen, the owners of the tanker, defended the crew's decision to depart the accident scene, stating their priority was to mitigate risks related to sinking or gas leaks resulting from the collision.