Sti-Bosphorus Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

Crowley Stena Marine Solutions, a collaborative venture formed by Crowley and Stena Bulk, has secured official approval from the U.S. government to introduce a replacement for the incapacitated tanker, 'Stena Immaculate' (IMO: 9693018), as part of the vital U.S. Tanker Security Program. This initiative, overseen by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), focuses on the transportation of fuel supplies essential for the U.S. Department of Defense. In a strategic move to bolster the country’s sealift readiness, MARAD has sanctioned the operation of the 'CS Anthem', previously known as 'STI Bosphorus', ensuring the enhancement of U.S. maritime security and fostering reliable, U.S.-crewed tanker capabilities vital for national defense. The 'CS Anthem' is a near-identical substitute for the 'Stena Immaculate' and previously operated under India’s Scorpio. Recently reflagged from the Marshall Islands, the tanker now proudly calls Jacksonville, Florida, its homeport. As part of the arrangement, Crowley takes charge of crewing and managing the vessel through a bareboat charter within the venture. The company is also responsible for other vessels in the program, including the 'Stena Imperative' and 'Stena Impeccable'. Meanwhile, the 'Stena Immaculate' remains docked in Great Yarmouth for the time being.

On the morning of March 5, 2020, a notable security incident unfolded as the tanker 'STI Bosphorus' encountered suspicious boats approximately 50 miles WSW from the location where the cargo vessel 'Minerva Virgo' was attacked. This incident occurred 44 nautical miles south of Cotonou, in the notoriously perilous Gulf of Guinea, which has seen a rise in pirate activities. The 'STI Bosphorus', which had departed from Lagos a day earlier on March 4, was fortified with armed guards onboard, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding maritime safety in the region. The resemblance of the suspicious boats to those involved in previous pirate attacks raises alarms about the threat to vessels operating in these waters.