Reviews & Ratings for the Zircone

The ongoing operations of the bunker tankers 'Rina' (IMO: 9142820) and 'Zircone' have underscored the vulnerabilities within international sanctions against Russia, especially following its military actions in Ukraine since 2022. These vessels continue to fuel the Russian shadow fleet, predominantly utilizing ports in Riga, Klaipeda, and Paldiski, with minimal alterations to their operational patterns amid escalating geopolitical tensions. A notable portion of their clientele comprises Russian-owned tankers navigating to and from key oil export terminals at Primorsk and Ust-Luga. This shadow fleet, largely under Russian control, has gained notoriety for frequently changing their flags of convenience and names, masking their affiliations. For instance, on March 11, 2025, the 'Rina' provided bunkering services to the tanker 'Blue' (IMO: 9236353), which was registered under the flag of Antigua and Barbuda and seemingly owned by Turkish interests. Similarly, on October 30, 'Blue' was serviced by the 'Zircone' near Gotland. Earlier, on August 17, 2024, the vessel 'Rainbow' (IMO: 9302126), also flagged under Antigua and Barbuda, was bunkered by the 'Zircone' in the same vicinity. Notably, while neither the 'Blue' nor the 'Rainbow' were subjected to sanctions during these transactions, they were sanctioned subsequently, raising questions regarding regulatory oversight. An extensive investigation revealed that between June 2024 and March 2025, the 'Rina' and 'Zircone' bunkered a staggering 286 vessels, of which over 160 had previous visits to Russian oil terminals, raising compliance concerns. With growing scrutiny, the ownership of the 'Rina' and 'Zircone' shifted and is now linked to FB Trade DWC-LLC, a company registered in Dubai under Commercial Registration 11119, although the tankers continue their operations in the Baltic. FB Trade is also thought to oversee the tanker 'Onyx 2' (IMO: 9169782), flagged in the Comoros Islands, which has been active in bunkering operations from Khor Fakkan in the Gulf of Oman, a noted hub for STS transshipments involving both Russian and Iranian shadow fleet vessels. This situation illustrates the inherent limitations of the sanctions framework, as Estonia and Latvia—countries among the most proactive in opposing Russian aggression—have struggled to restrict the operations linked to their ports. Likewise, Sweden and Denmark have found it challenging to inhibit activities associated with the dark fleet in their territorial waters. Efforts to regulate these maritime operations remain further complicated in the Gulf region, where neighboring countries have generally shown reluctance to intervene.

In a bold environmental protest on April 11, 2024, Greenpeace activists took action against the oil tanker 'Zircone', located off the coast of Gotland. The activists emblazoned the hull of the vessel with the powerful message: "Oil fuels war - People want peace." The 'Zircone' has been implicated in supplying fuel to the Russian shadow fleet, prompting outrage within activist circles. Rolf Lindahl, spokesperson for Greenpeace on energy issues, stated, "The fact that the 'Zircone' can be found here outside Gotland, actively supporting Russian oil exports, is nothing short of a scandal. Our politicians and authorities must take immediate action to halt this." Meanwhile, local police have categorized the Greenpeace action as vandalism, with the legal implications depending on whether the protest occurred in Swedish or international waters. At present, the tanker is anchored east of Gotland at coordinates 57° 37.61'N 019° 24.98'W. For more details and images of the protest, visit the full reports at [Splash247](https://splash247.com/greenpeace-targets-vessel-accused-of-fuelling-russias-shadow-fleet/) and [Omni](https://omni.se/greenpeace-aktion-mot-ryska-skuggflottans-oljetanker/a/lwg1J3).

In a dramatic incident on May 25, 2017, at approximately 7:30 a.m., a fire sparked in the engine room of the tanker 'Zircone' while it was navigating the Gulf of Riga, Latvia. The vessel had recently departed from the port of Riga, en route to Skaw, when the blaze disabled the ship, causing it to drift uncontrollably. In response, tugs and coast guard patrol boats were dispatched to assist. A helicopter equipped with thermal imaging technology detected elevated temperatures in the superstructure of the vessel. Despite the emergency, the captain opted against evacuating; all 17 crew members bravely chose to stay on board and combat the fire using their own resources. By later that afternoon, two coast guard patrol boats, 'Klints - KA 09' (MMSI: 275115000) and 'Skrunda' (MMSI: 275404000), along with the Latvian tug 'Stella' (IMO: 9389655), successfully reached the 'Zircone', which was carrying a cargo of 7,000 tons of diesel oil and remained adrift. After crews gained control over the fire, the stricken tanker was towed to the Riga Shipyard - LVRIX - 0035, where it safely berthed early on May 26.

In a notable maritime transaction, a vessel has been sold for a substantial $4 million to buyers who wish to remain unnamed. This sale marks a significant event in the shipping industry, although details about the specific vessel and its previous operations have not been disclosed. The anonymity of the buyers adds an element of intrigue to this deal, leaving many in the maritime community speculating about the future plans for the vessel.