Russian wreck finally leaving Port of Gdynia: "It posed a chemical and even intelligence threat"
After years of inaction, the Russian tanker Khatanga will finally be removed from the Port of Gdynia—or at least that is the intention of the Ministry of Infrastructure. The vessel, which has been docked there since 2017, not only posed a risk to maritime safety but, as noted by the Maritime Office in Gdynia, also presented a potential intelligence threat.
In brief
The Port of Gdynia Authority is to remove the Russian tanker Khatanga within three months, under a decision of the director of the Maritime Office in Gdynia. The ship has been moored in the Port of Gdynia since 2017, broke free from its moorings twice, and the Maritime Office in Gdynia pointed to a chemical and intelligence threat. The port intends to claim reimbursement of the costs of years of mooring from the Russian shipowner, although the vessel belonged to Murmansk Shipping Company, which declared bankruptcy in 2020. We are removing Russian scrap from our port, stressed Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Arkadiusz Marchewka.
Rosyjski zbiornikowiec Khatanga / fot. Wikimedia Commons
The Ministry of Infrastructure announced that, in accordance with a decision by the director of the Maritime Office in Gdynia, the Port of Gdynia Authority has been ordered to remove the ship within three months. Furthermore, the port intends to demand reimbursement from the Russian shipowner for years of mooring fees. However, this may prove impossible to enforce.
The Khatanga issue is not just an infrastructural matter but also a security concern. The ship twice broke free from its moorings, endangering other vessels. Moreover, experts emphasize that abandoned ships can pose chemical and even intelligence risks. This makes its prolonged presence in the Gdynia port all the more surprising.
The decision to remove the vessel is also a symbolic step toward reducing Russian influence.
- We are removing Russian scrap from our port. The state is taking action and ensuring the security of Poland's infrastructure, emphasized Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Arkadiusz Marchewka.
The ship belonged to Murmansk Shipping Company, one of Russia's largest shipping operators, which declared bankruptcy in 2020. The company had a long and controversial history—ranging from Arctic transport to scandals involving the illegal storage of radioactive waste.
Now the question remains: what happens next? Where and how will Khatanga be removed? Who will cover the costs? Have Polish authorities thoroughly inspected the abandoned Russian tanker? Officials promise to provide updates, but one thing is certain—after years of stagnation, the Russian wreck may finally leave the Polish port.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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