Sanctioned Tanker Detained by Estonia with 40 Deficiencies
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Loading... - Cornelis Bakker
- 14 Apr 2025
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Estonian authorities have detained the sanctioned tanker Kiwala, uncovering 40 deficiencies during an inspection conducted on Friday. The vessel, which has a deadweight tonnage of 115,600 and was built in 2007, was held in the Baltic Sea due to its alleged lack of a flag state.
According to the Estonian maritime division of the transport administration, 23 of the identified deficiencies pertain to documentation issues, while the remaining deficiencies are related to the ship's seaworthiness. The authorities have stated that the Kiwala will not be released until all identified faults are rectified.
Kristjan Truu, the director of the maritime division, emphasized the importance of maritime and environmental safety, stating, “We cannot allow the ship to continue its voyage because maritime and environmental safety cannot be guaranteed.” The crew presented documents indicating a Djibouti registration; however, the Djibouti flag state has confirmed that it removed the tanker from its register.
Currently anchored in Muuga Bay, the Kiwala is under sanctions from Canada, the European Union, Switzerland, and the UK. The vessel's master is Chinese, and the crew consists mainly of members from China and Mauritania. Reports from TradeWinds indicate that the captain has been cooperative with the authorities during the detention process.
This incident follows the recent passage of a law by Estonia's parliament, the Riigikogu, aimed at strengthening maritime security. The new legislation grants military forces the authority to directly confront threats to the country.
The Kiwala has a history of flag hopping, having flown four different flags since late 2022, when it was sold by Performance Shipping. According to maritime data provider Kpler, the tanker has primarily been used to transport crude oil from Russia’s Baltic Sea ports to India. The registered owner and commercial manager of the Kiwala is a Mauritius-listed company called Triad Shipping, while its technical management is handled by Shanghai-based Hong Ze Hu Shipmanagement.
