- Ismailia Court Orders Vessel’s Detention Until Dues Are Paid.
- Russian Crew Files Complaint Over Unpaid Wages and Poor Conditions.
- Seafarers’ Union Warns of Fuel Shortage Aboard Stranded Tanker.
The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has firmly rejected claims that it played any role in the detention of the Russian-flagged crude oil tanker, Dignity. They clarified that the vessel’s hold-up is due to a private legal matter, not any actions taken by the SCA. “This matter is completely and entirely untrue,” the SCA stated in an official release, addressing circulating news reports about its alleged involvement, reports gCaptain.
Vessel Held Due to Private Legal Dispute
The Dignity, which has been owned by the Russian company Argo Tanker Group since 2023, has been sitting at Suez Port for almost two months now. The tanker is under sanctions from the United States, the EU, and the UK because of its involvement in the Russian oil trade and breaches of the G7 crude oil price cap. According to the SCA, the issue at hand involves a dispute between Sphinx Shipping Agency and the vessel’s owner over unpaid financial obligations. The Ismailia Economic Court has issued a conservatory attachment order, which means the vessel will remain detained until all outstanding payments are settled.
“SCA denies any connection to the legal dispute between Sphinx Shipping Agency and the vessel’s owning company, which stems from the owning company’s failure to pay financial dues owed to the shipping agency,” the authority stated.
Crew Faces Worsening Conditions
The 22 Russian crew members on board have reportedly been dealing with increasingly tough conditions. Back in October, they filed a formal complaint asking for at least three months’ worth of overdue wages. The Russian Union of Seafarers (SUR), which has stepped in to advocate for them, has expressed concerns that the vessel is running low on fuel and lubricants, which could jeopardise onboard power and safety. This is the second time SUR has intervened; they previously helped secure around $130,000 in unpaid wages back in August.
SCA Urges Media Accuracy
Concluding its statement, the SCA urged media outlets to verify information before publication.
The authority called on the press to “seek accuracy and to disregard rumours aimed at stirring confusion and sowing doubt,” emphasising the importance of relying on official sources for confirmation.
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Source: gCaptain
