Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Siyanie-Severa

In a noteworthy development, Russia has once again mobilized military equipment for export. On April 30, a significant naval convoy comprising three freighters and a frigate was spotted for the first time in the Baltic Sea. The vessel 'Jiaganghangbeng 01' prominently displayed the Russian Navy's flag, while the frigate 'Boikiy' attempted to disguise its identity with a Chinese name, escorting the heavy-lift carriers 'Baltic Leader,' 'Patria,' and 'Siyanie Severa.' The freighter convoy is reported to be fully loaded, with a draft indicating over 10,000 tons on board. The convoy set sail on the evening of April 29 from Baltiysk, the largest military port in Kaliningrad, Russia, and is making its way towards the Mediterranean Sea. Since the convoy's departure, the Danish Navy and German Federal Police have been closely monitoring its progress. The task force vessel 'Bamberg' has been trailing the 'Boikiy' from Rügen through the Kadet Trench and the Fehmarn Belt. NATO forces are also expected to keep a vigilant watch on the convoy in the days ahead. This deployment marks the largest Russian military transport operation in the Baltic Sea since January 2022, when six landing ships departed with equipment for the Ukraine conflict, heading toward the Black Sea. Prior to this, the last convoy dispatched from the Baltic to the Mediterranean occurred in December, featuring heavy-lift freighters 'URSA Major' and 'Sparta.' Notably, the 'URSA Major' tragically sank after an explosion off the Algerian coast on December 23. There is speculation that the current convoy's destination might be Libya, as Russia has been increasingly active in the Sahel region. Satellite imagery since February has indicated construction efforts at the Libyan military airport Maaten al-Sarra, which has remained unused since 2011. This strategically located military base could facilitate the delivery of military supplies to neighboring countries like Sudan, Niger, Chad, and Burkina Faso. The use of roll-on/roll-off vessels implies that Russian military vehicles are likely part of the shipment. Such a massive deployment raises questions about Russia's shifting priorities, suggesting that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine may not be the focus for the Russian military. In 2024, a substantial amount of military equipment from Syria was also redirected to support operations in Ukraine.

On March 19, 2025, a contingent of four Russian naval vessels was nearing the Skagen Reef, on a course towards the Great Belt. This movement triggered a coordinated monitoring effort by the Royal Navy and its NATO partners, which commenced when the Russian task group entered the English Channel on March 16. Key participants in this maritime operation included the Type 23 frigate HMS 'Somerset', the minehunter HMS 'Cattistock', and the replenishment ship RFA 'Tidesurge', all of which began surveillance operations south of Portsmouth. The effort was further bolstered by aerial support from a RAF P8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft based in RAF Lossiemouth. The Russian naval force was returning from Syria, having retrieved military equipment rendered surplus after the overthrow of President Assad's regime in December 2024. Throughout their journey, the Russian ships were under constant surveillance from NATO naval assets and aerial units, including those from Denmark as the vessels passed Skagen. The convoy included the destroyer 'Severomorsk', the landing craft 'Aleksandr Shabalin', and two cargo ships, 'Sparta IV' and 'Siyanie Severa', all part of the Russian Navy. The ships are destined for St. Petersburg with an estimated time of arrival on March 24, where previous equipment deliveries from Syria have taken place. In addition, negotiations are reportedly ongoing between Russian officials and the newly established Syrian authorities regarding the use of the strategically vital naval base in Tartus. Reports suggest Russia may be willing to compensate for continued access through the provision of oil, though the current status of these discussions remains unclear. For further details and images, visit: https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news/2025/march/19/250319-royal-navy-shadow-russian-task-group-returning-from-syria-in-the-channel.

In a recent development, Flinter Groep and Flinter Fleetholding have announced that they have no choice but to file for suspension of payments following ING Bank's sudden acceleration of its credit lines on Wednesday evening. This unfortunate turn of events comes as the shipping industry continues to face a decline for the ninth consecutive year, with little hope for recovery in sight. The decision by ING Bank has caught Flinter by surprise, especially since just last week, the financial institution indicated that it would not be renewing the financing for Flinter Fleetholding's eight vessels, including the MV Flintersky, which had a financing period that expired on October 1st. ING Bank has now opted to sell the vessels, a choice that has left the company with no alternative. In discussions following this announcement, Flinter proposed a preferred strategy to sell the vessels without resorting to auction. To facilitate a smooth transition, the company asked the bank last Thursday to ensure that all suppliers could be compensated by the end of the month, while they crafted a plan to optimize the sale and maximize proceeds. However, just four days later, they were informed that all loans would be called in by ING. Flinter Groep expressed deep sorrow over the situation, highlighting the negative impact this decision has on their shore staff, vessel personnel, ship owners, and longstanding partners. The financial repercussions are expected to be significant for the bank as well, with potential losses running into millions. Despite the challenging circumstances, Flinter has committed to maintaining professionalism and transparency with all stakeholders. After eight years of staunch efforts to navigate through turbulent waters, Flinter Groep laments the conclusion of their journey in the maritime industry. For further updates, visit their official news page at http://www.flinter.nl/index.php/en/news.