The Tzarevna: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On December 4, 2024, at 10:30 PM, a maritime incident occurred in the Kattegatt region, off the coast of Anholt, involving the cargo vessel 'Tzarevna', which was making its way from Terneuzen to St. Petersburg, Russia, and the 'SSI Erdogan Bey' (IMO: 9401946), traveling from St. Petersburg to Frederikshavn. The collision triggered a swift response from the Danish Armed Forces, who dispatched rescue and investigative vessels to assist in the situation. Additionally, the Swedish Coast Guard played a crucial role in the operation, deploying the patrol boat 'KBV 001' to the area of the accident, which transpired in Danish territorial waters. Following the incident, the 'Tzarevna' anchored at coordinates 56° 43' N 011° 50' E, while the 'SSI Erdogan Bey' was found in a state of Not Under Command (NUC) at its last known position of 57° 20' N 011° 31' E. The 'Tzarevna' sustained significant damage, including a large hole in its bow, leading to its detention at Anholt port. Conversely, the 'SSI Erdogan Bey' sustained a hole in its side but was declared seaworthy after inspection. As of December 9, the 'SSI Erdogan Bey' was safely berthed in Skagen for further assessment, and it remained stationary at the port as of December 12. This incident highlights the ongoing risks and challenges businesses face in maritime transport, especially in busy shipping lanes. For more details and images, visit the report here: https://www.shippingitaly.it/2024/12/09/collisione-in-nord-europa-per-la-nave-tzarevna-di-vulcania-f-lli-cosulich/

Fratelli Cosulich, a prominent Italian shipping firm, has sought the intervention of the Italian government to safeguard their vessel, 'Tzarevna', from potential seizure by Russian authorities. This merchant ship, along with several other foreign-flagged vessels situated in Mariupol, is at risk of being commandeered by Russian forces, who may attempt to appropriate its cargo of steel. Russian state-run media have acknowledged that the extraction of Ukrainian metal meant for shipping to Russian ports is already in motion. Recently, an individual posing as a representative of the Donetsk Republic approached the local agent of the 'Tzarevna' with a ludicrous offer to purchase the vessel, a clear act of blackmail that was quickly dismissed. Currently, the 'Tzarevna' is carrying 15,000 tons of steel slabs destined for export to Italy, produced by the now-defunct Azovstal plant, which suffered devastating damage during the Russian offensive on the city. The vessel's future, along with its valuable cargo, hangs in the balance amid reports of Russian forces seizing everything in sight. Pro-Russian separatist leader Denis Pushilin seemed to affirm these concerns in comments made on June 1, announcing that aspects of local courts will fall under Russian-controlled Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) jurisdiction, hinting at an impending reflagging of seized vessels. Giovanni Toti, the governor of the Liguria region, has expressed his solidarity with Fratelli Cosulich and has reached out to Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio for assistance. Toti stated, "The situation regarding the ship owned by Fratelli Cosulich Group, based in Genoa, is unacceptable and serious. Minister Di Maio has assured us of the Foreign Ministry's unwavering commitment to protect our interests and those of a major Italian shipping company." The 'Tzarevna' was previously hit by an explosive projectile during the early phases of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, resulting in damage to its deckhouse and hull. As the geopolitical situation continues to evolve, the fate of the 'Tzarevna' and its cargo remains uncertain.

In a developing situation, Russia has declared intentions to nationalize the bulk carrier 'Tzarevna,' which has been stranded in the port of Mariupol since February 24, coinciding with the onset of the conflict in Ukraine. The self-proclaimed Republic of Donetsk is seeking to assume ownership of the vessel and its cargo. Augusto Cosulich, the managing director of the Fratelli Cosulich group—parent company of Vulcania shipping, which owns the 'Tzarevna'—has brought this alarming news to light. As the vessel is registered under the Maltese flag, Cosulich, also serving as the Consul of Malta in Italy, has taken steps to file an official diplomatic protest regarding this situation. Notably, the ship and its cargo lack specific war risk insurance coverage, raising concerns about financial losses. The current market valuation of the 'Tzarevna' stands at approximately $8 to $9 million, while its cargo of slabs is estimated to be worth around $12 million. Giovanni Toti, the president of the Liguria Region, has deemed Russia's actions towards the ship as unacceptable and grave. He has expressed full support for the Genoan shipowner and made assurances of his commitment to addressing this issue with the national government. Toti has been in discussions with Italy's Foreign Minister, Luigi Di Maio, who has pledged to take necessary measures to mitigate potential damage to Italy and its notable shipping sector.