Discover the Torm-Genesis: Ratings & Maritime News

On November 17, 2020, at 4:20 a.m., the tanker 'SKS Donggang', which was on its way to Lagos from Namibia, faced a threatening situation in the Gulf of Guinea, approximately 60 miles south of Lome. A skiff, carrying an unidentified number of individuals, approached the vessel, coming dangerously close within 0.5 nautical miles before retreating. The local authorities have been alerted regarding this alarming incident. Notably, this event transgressed into Ghanaian territorial waters, situated 22 nautical miles west of the Gulf of Guinea's High-Risk Area (HRA) and Togo’s territorial waters. During this encounter, the tanker made a slight course adjustment yet maintained its speed. Following the unsuccessful attack, the vessel docked at the Lome anchorage. This marked the tenth piracy-related incident in the Gulf of Guinea for the month of November. Recent piracy concerns in the region have escalated after a series of seven incidents in the preceding week, including two successful kidnappings. With failed attacks on the rise, there’s an increased likelihood that perpetrators may resort to more desperate measures, driven by heightened naval counter-piracy operations and logistical challenges.

On June 28, 2019, the 'SKS Donggang' encountered a disruption to its journey from Rotterdam to Gibraltar due to air in its fuel system. The incident occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m. local time, while the vessel was positioned at 49° 37.59’ N and 003° 59.49’ W, around 43 miles south of Plymouth. With a crew of 23 on board, the ship faced an estimated repair duration of one to two hours. After resolving the issue, the 'SKS Donggang' successfully continued its voyage, resuming travel at 8 a.m. The estimated time of arrival in Gibraltar was set for July 5.

In a startling development for the maritime industry, the 119,500 dwt LR2 products tanker named SKS Donggang was apprehended in Singapore last week. According to the Supreme Court of Singapore records, this significant event occurred at precisely 3:32 PM on November 4. The arrest was initiated by the local law firm Oon & Bazul LLP, underscoring the active legal environment surrounding shipping operations in the region. An analysis from VesselsValue.com revealed that the 2011-built tanker is under the control of Jebsen Skipsrederi AS, a company based in Norway, with an estimated value of $50.1 million. This incident marks yet another chapter in Singapore's bustling maritime history.