Working Conditions Aboard the Zaliv-Amurskiy

On December 16, 2024, the European Union held a Foreign Affairs Council meeting where it unveiled a significant new sanctions package targeting vessels that are purportedly aiding Russia's military operations. Among the 52 vessels added to the sanctions list is the 'Zaliv Amurskiy', which the EU has identified as contributing to Russia’s ongoing war efforts. This latest round of sanctions is a direct response to activities primarily focused on circumventing the oil price cap imposed by Western nations, facilitating arms deliveries, and transporting stolen grain. With this addition, the total number of sanctioned vessels has now reached 79. Most of these vessels are engaged in transporting Russian oil and providing logistical support to the Russian military. In total, the sanctions package also encompasses 54 individuals and 30 entities, including those from China and North Korea, that are believed to be supplying critical dual-use materials needed for Russia’s military initiatives. Notably, two high-ranking officials from North Korea and seven individuals and businesses from China have also come under scrutiny. The overarching objective of these sanctions is to escalate operational costs for Russia by restricting access to EU ports and limiting maritime service provisions.

On February 13, 2018, at approximately 4:30 PM, the tanker "Zaliv Amurskiy" became grounded at the 41-kilometer mark of the Suez Canal during its transit through the busy waterway. This incident prompted a delay for six vessels within the northbound convoy, which had to wait nearly 24 hours before resuming their journey. The grounding was attributed to a malfunction in the vessel's steering gear. The "Zaliv Amurskiy" was positioned as the 19th ship in a convoy made up of 25 vessels. Recovery efforts saw a tugboat successfully refloat the stranded tanker on the afternoon of February 14, subsequently towing it to Port Said. Following this incident, normal traffic for the northbound convoy was allowed to continue without further delays. Notably, the grounding did not disrupt the flow of traffic in the southbound direction, and there were no reports indicating any damage to the vessel.

On October 22, 2013, the Zaliv Amurskiy, a tanker belonging to Primorsk Shipping Corporation (PRISCO), accomplished a significant milestone by completing her inaugural Arctic voyage. The vessel successfully docked in Antwerp, where it unloaded a cargo of diesel fuel transported through the Northern Sea Route, as reported by PRISCO's press center. Notably, the Zaliv Amurskiy is PRISCO's pioneering vessel to implement ECDIS technology, moving away from traditional navigational charts. Meanwhile, the Zaliv Baikal tanker, supported by the nuclear icebreaker Taimyr, is presently navigating the Sannikov Strait. Upon her return, the Zaliv Baikal will become the second PRISCO vessel to adopt the advanced ECDIS system following the Zaliv Amurskiy's lead.