Detained "shadow fleet" tanker Kiwala deemed unseaworthy

During an inspection of the Kiwala tanker, linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” Estonian transport authorities identified 40 deficiencies, 29 of which were classified as “serious,” posing risks to both maritime safety and the environment. As a result, the vessel has been detained and prohibited from sailing until all issues are resolved, the Estonian Transport Administration announced Saturday.

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13 april 2025   |   17:06   |   Source: PAP / Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Eesti Merevagi

The inspection was carried out throughout Friday. The most critical deficiencies pertain to documentation irregularities, non-compliance with the Safety Management System (SMS), insufficient crew preparedness for onboard emergencies, and various technical faults.

- One of the most significant concerns is the suspicion that the vessel is stateless, meaning it does not operate under any national jurisdiction, said Kristjan Truu, Director of the Maritime Department at the Estonian Transport Administration. - Estonia conducted the inspection within the bounds of its international obligations, as the vessel was sailing without a flag, he added, noting that authorities are in contact with the shipowner’s representative.

The Kiwala was intercepted by the Estonian Navy early Friday morning at the entrance to Tallinn Bay and is currently anchored under naval supervision near the Port of Muuga.

The tanker was en route from India to the Russian port of Ust-Luga in the Leningrad Oblast, located on the eastern edge of the Gulf of Finland. Although the crew initially claimed the vessel was flagged to Djibouti, authorities confirmed that Djibouti had revoked its flag registration due to the tanker’s involvement in illicit activities. The vessel was also found to be uninsured and is subject to EU, UK, Canadian, and Swiss sanctions.

Estonian authorities have clarified that the detention is not related to any threat against critical infrastructure, and that the ongoing investigation is focused on determining the vessel’s legal status and technical condition. There are 24 crew members onboard; the captain is of Chinese nationality, while the rest of the crew are believed to be from Myanmar.

In response to increasing commercial traffic through the Gulf of Finland toward Russia, Estonian authorities have intensified inspections of suspicious vessels. Since mid-last year, the Transport Administration has reviewed the documentation, including insurance and flag state status, of over 450 ships, several of which have been inspected at anchorages.

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