- Poland has ordered the removal of the abandoned Russian oil tanker from the port of Gdynia within three months.
- The ship’s Russian owner went bankrupt in 2020, complicating legal removal.
- Poland seeks €3.1 million in compensation for the ship’s prolonged stay and associated costs.
After nearly eight years, the Polish government has ordered the removal of the Russian oil tanker the oil tanker from the Baltic Sea port of Gdynia. Originally entering the port in 2017 for repairs, the ship was abandoned after its owner, Murmansk Shipping Company, went bankrupt in 2020. Despite legal challenges, authorities now deem the vessel a threat to navigation and national security and have set a strict deadline for its removal, reports NEP.
The Legal Battle Over the Oil Tanker
Although the oil tanker was abandoned, Polish port authorities were legally restricted from removing it. They did not consult the bankruptcy trustee of the shipping company.
Last year, Gdynia’s port director, Jacek Kaszuba, confirmed that the ship technically still had a representative, delaying any action. However, Poland’s infrastructure ministry has now overridden these concerns, demanding the immediate removal of the vessel.
Safety and Security Threats
Authorities cite navigation risks as the primary reason for removing the oil tanker. In recent months, rough weather caused the ship’s moorings to loosen, requiring a tugboat for security.
Additionally, Poland’s Maritime Authority has raised concerns over potential chemical and intelligence threats, particularly given Gdynia’s strategic importance—it hosts a Polish navy logistics base and handles NATO equipment.
Seeking Compensation from Russia
Beyond removal, Polish authorities plan to demand compensation from the Russian owner for the entire period the oil tanker remained in the port.
According to port spokeswoman Kalina Gierblińska, these costs could reach 13 million zloty (€3.1 million). The port authority has been seeking legal approval for months to proceed with the ship’s disposal.
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Source: NEP
