Xin-Hai-Tong-28 Vessel Reviews and Specifications

In a recent maritime transaction, a vessel has been sold for a sum of approximately $11.0 million to buyers who wish to remain anonymous. The sale reflects ongoing activity in the shipping industry as vessels continue to change hands.

The bulk carrier 'Ocean Skipper' has come under scrutiny for potentially violating Japan's strict sanctions regarding maritime trade with North Korea. Recent developments suggest that the vessel, which docked in Japan on November 3, 2017, may have made unauthorized stops at the North Korean port of Rajin in both January and February of the same year. A crew member disclosed to Japanese authorities that during these visits, the ship loaded approximately 10,000 tonnes of coal on each occasion, which was subsequently transported to China. If these allegations hold true, the 'Ocean Skipper' would indeed be in breach of Japan's unilateral sanctions enforcing strict entry bans on any foreign vessels that have previously called at North Korean ports. Notably, these sanctions were reinforced following a government decision in February 2016, with penalties including fines up to US$26,600 or prison sentences of up to three years for offenders. Despite these serious accusations, Japanese police did not detain the 'Ocean Skipper' nor did they initiate any criminal proceedings upon its departure for Singapore on November 13, 2017, following the loading of about 40,000 tonnes of slag. This lenient treatment raises questions about enforcement mechanisms surrounding the sanctions. Additionally, officials discovered documentation onboard that corroborated the coal shipments from Rajin to China. It's important to mention that vessels entering Japanese harbors are required to report their last ten port visits to the Japan Coast Guard, which the 'Ocean Skipper' allegedly failed to do regarding its stop in North Korea. This case underlines the ongoing challenges faced by nations attempting to regulate maritime compliance in the ever-evolving geo-political landscape.

In a strategic move, Prime East has finalized a new time charter agreement. The vessel is set for delivery at Lanshan, with plans to embark on a voyage through the Philippines before ultimately returning to China loaded with nickel ore. This charter is valued at $5,000 per day, reflecting the ongoing demand for nickel in the global market.