Sulina Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On May 12, 2023, the cargo vessel 'Sulina' encountered serious issues leading to its third detention under the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) since November 2022. This time, the ship was held in Burgas, where inspectors identified 16 deficiencies, 11 of which were deemed critical enough to warrant detention. Key violations included: expired seafarers' employment agreements, inadequate quality of provisions, unsafe electrical systems, poorly maintained rescue boat launching arrangements, outdated navigation charts, and missing voyage plans and compass correction logs. Additionally, the vessel suffered malfunctions in alarm systems related to machinery controls, with visible deficiencies in water/weathertight conditions and cargo operations. After being released on May 15, the 'Sulina' was banned from all Paris MOU ports. Previously, the ship was detained in Aliaga on February 27, 2023, for five days due to 24 deficiencies, and it faced a significant detention in Heraklion on November 3, 2022, where it remained for more than 102 days due to 41 serious deficiencies. These repeated infractions not only reflect persistent operational issues but also jeopardize the vessel's ability to operate within key maritime regions.

The cargo vessel 'Sulina' encountered another setback when it was detained on February 27, 2026, in Aliaga, due to a total of 24 deficiencies noted during the inspection. Among these, five concerns were classified as serious enough to warrant the detention. The critical issues included: 1) Incomplete certification and documentation, 2) Missing navigation charts, 3) A malfunctioning fire detection and alarm system, 4) Inadequate crew accommodation and working conditions, and 5) An inoperative Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System (BNWAS). Following corrective actions, the Sulina was released from detention on March 3, 2026, and subsequently departed for Constanta. This latest detention comes just two weeks after its previous release on February 12, 2026, after an extensive 102-day detention that began on November 3, 2025, in Heraclion.

On November 3, 2025, the 'Sulina' faced detention in Heraklion, where inspectors identified a staggering 41 deficiencies, with 40 deemed critical enough to warrant her detainment. The deficiencies spanned various categories, highlighting significant safety and operational issues on board. Key deficiencies included: 1. Fire Control Plan - Not compliant with requirements 2. Seafarers Employment Agreement - Not as required 3. Garbage Record Book - Lacking compliance 4. Navigational Safety - Charts not updated 5. Navigational Safety - Nautical publications outdated 6. Voyage Plan - Not compliant with standards 7. Navigational Safety - Inoperative lights, shapes, and sound signals 8. Navigational Safety - Radar system inoperative 9. Life-Saving Appliances - Missing immersion suits 10. Life-Saving Appliances - Inadequate lifejacket provisions 11. Life-Saving Appliances - Lifeboats poorly maintained 12. Life-Saving Appliances - Lifeboat inventories not compliant 13. Lifeboats - Inoperative launching arrangements for survival craft 14. Line-Throwing Appliance - Expired 15. Fire Safety - Inoperative remote control in machinery spaces 16. Fire Safety - Non-compliant fire doors and openings 17. Fire Safety - Fixed fire extinguishing systems lacking compliance 18. Fire Safety - Non-compliant ventilators 19. Fire Safety - Personal equipment for fire safety insufficient 20. Emergency Systems - Inoperative emergency fire pump and piping 21. Emergency Drills - Lack of control over fire and abandon ship drills 22. Emergency Systems - Crew familiarization inadequate 23. Emergency Lighting - Non-compliant batteries and switches 24. Structural Conditions - Steering gear not compliant 25. Electrical Installations - Poor maintenance 26. Auxiliary Machinery - Auxiliary engine not compliant 27. Water/Weathertight - Non-compliant hatchway covers 28. Safe Passage - Railing, gangway and walkway conditions not met 29. Water/Weathertight - Ventilators and air pipes improperly maintained 30. Labour Conditions - Inoperative lighting in working and accommodation spaces 31. Sleeping Room Conditions - Non-compliant 32. Personal Protective Equipment - Missing items 33. Galley Maintenance - Not as required 34. Mooring Equipment - Non-compliant ropes and lines 35. Pollution Prevention - Oil filtering equipment not compliant 36. Ballast Water Record Book - Missing 37. ISM - Non-compliance with ISM certificate requirements. After addressing the deficiencies, the 'Sulina' was released on February 12 and subsequently departed for Thessaloniki.

On March 5, 2022, the 'Sea Spirit' faced a hefty penalty of 1 million 624 thousand 713 TL after it was found responsible for contaminating the Gulf of Izmit while stationed at a port in the Başiskele district. This alarming pollution was detected during routine surveillance operations conducted by an aerial patrol, which uncovered evidence of oil discharges during the vessel's refueling at the dock. In response to the situation, the Environmental Protection and Control Department mobilized promptly, coordinating with port authorities to implement containment measures to halt any further leakage of fuel into the waters. The fine imposed on the ship aligns with the regulations stipulated under the Environmental Law. Notably, the 'Sea Spirit' had departed from Novorossyisk on February 27, with an expected arrival in Izmit slated for March 3.