• US govt shutdown anger grows: Nearly half of Americans blame Donald Trump & GOP, poll show
A new Washington Post poll finds 47% of Americans blame Trump and Republicans for the government shutdown, while only 30% blame Democrats. Reports say 35,000 jobs in the US were lost in September only.
• Munich airport becomes latest European hub to shut down after drone sighting; several flights disrupted
Munich airport becomes latest European hub to shut down after drone sighting; several flights disrupted.
• China gains ground in Latin American container trade as US flows shift: AP Moller- Maersk
China boosting exports to Latin America while US tariffs and sourcing shifts alter global trade flows. China has emerged as a stronger force in Latin American container trade, according to Danish liner giant AP Moller-Maersk. The company, in its autumn Global Market Update that highlighted shifting trade patterns under the weight of tariffs, consumer caution, and sourcing diversification, revealed China has grown its share of total exports to Latin America from 27% to 38% in the first half of this year.
• Japan plans to double shipbuilding output after decades of decline World’s third-largest shipbuilding nation is plotting a comeback
China Updates Regulations on International Maritime Transport Date: 30 September 2025
We would like to inform you of recent updates to the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on International Maritime Transportation 《中华人民共和国国际海运条例》), as announced by the Xinhua News Agency on 29 September 2025. Chinese Premier Li Qiang has signed a State Council decree introducing amendments to the regulations, which officially came into effect on Sunday, 28 September 2025.
The revised regulations aim to standardize international maritime transport activities, ensure fair competition, maintain order in the international shipping market, and protect the legitimate rights and interests of stakeholders in international ocean shipping.
The key amendments are summarized below:
- Amendment to Article 2, Paragraph 2
The second paragraph has been revised to define auxiliary business activities related to international maritime transportation as follows:
“The auxiliary business activities related to international maritime transportation mentioned in the preceding paragraph include international ship agency, international ship management, international maritime cargo
loading and unloading, international maritime cargo warehousing, international maritime container station and yard services, international shipping transaction platform services, and other businesses.” - Addition of a New Article (Article 22)
A new article has been introduced to regulate international shipping transaction platforms:
“Operators of international shipping transaction platforms shall submit information such as the operator’s name, registered address, contact details, platform service agreements, and shipping transaction rules to the competent transportation department of the State Council. Specific measures shall be formulated by the competent transportation department of the State Council.” - Addition of a New Article (Article 39)
The following penalties have been introduced for non-compliance by international shipping transaction platform operators:
“If operators of international shipping transaction platforms fail to submit the required information as stipulated, the competent transportation department of the State Council or the transportation departments of local people’s governments authorized by it shall order them to complete the submission within a specified period. Failure to comply within the deadline shall result in a fine of no less than 20,000 yuan and no more than 100,000 yuan. For serious cases, they shall be ordered to cease conducting relevant business activities.” - Amendment to Article 46 (Renumbered as Article 48)
This amendment introduces measures for addressing violations of maritime agreements and discriminatory actions:
(1) For Violations of Maritime Agreements:
“If a country or region with which the People’s Republic of China has concluded or jointly participates in international maritime- related treaties or agreements violates the provisions of such treaties or agreements, thereby causing the People’s Republic of China to lose or suffer damage to the benefits it enjoys under the treaty or agreement, or obstructs the realization of the objectives of the treaty or agreement, the Government of the People’s Republic of China has the right to request the government of the relevant country or region to terminate the aforementioned behavior, take appropriate remedial measures, and may suspend or terminate the performance of relevant obligations under the treaty or agreement in accordance with the provisions thereof.”
(2) For Discriminatory Actions:
“If any country or region adopts or assists, supports, or takes discriminatory prohibitions, restrictions, or other similar measures against operators, ships, or crew members engaged in international maritime transportation and its auxiliary businesses of the People’s Republic of China, except where sufficient and effective remedies are provided by relevant treaties or agreements, the Government of the People’s Republic of China shall, based on actual circumstances, take necessary countermeasures. These measures may include but are not limited to charging special fees for ships of such country or region docking at Chinese ports, prohibiting or restricting the entry and exit of such country’s or region’s ships from Chinese ports, and prohibiting or restricting organizations and individuals from such country or region from obtaining data, information, or conducting international maritime transportation and its auxiliary businesses related to Chinese ports.” - Terminology Revision
The term “competent transportation department” in the regulations has been revised to “competent transportation department of the State Council.”
Focus on Article 46 (Renumbered as Article 48)
The amendment to Article 46 has garnered significant attention within the maritime industry. According to authoritative sources consulted by the ICS (China) Liaison Office, this amendment is seen as a direct response to the
U.S. “301 investigation” and its proposed fee imposition targeting China’s maritime sector.
The U.S. “301 investigation” measures have been deemed discriminatory against Chinese shipowners and a violation of the 2003 China-U.S. Maritime Agreement, particularly Article 6, which ensures reciprocal treatment in the imposition of taxes and fees.
Under Article 6 of the agreement: “The taxes and fees imposed by one party on the vessels of the other party shall not be less than those imposed on the vessels of a third country under similar circumstances, ensuring reciprocal treatment.”
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has proposed additional fees targeting Chinese-manufactured ships and shipowners, which, according to authoritative sources, undermine the principles of fairness and reciprocity agreed upon in the 2003 treaty.
In response, China reserves the right to implement reciprocal punitive measures, which may include:
• Imposing additional fees on U.S. ships docking at Chinese ports.
• Restricting or prohibiting U.S.-manufactured ships from accessing Chinese ports.
These measures aim to safeguard the interests of Chinese shipowners and ensure the continued enforcement of international maritime agreements.
Conclusion
It is anticipated that the Ministry of Transport, as the competent transportation department of the State Council, will soon update its Detailed Rules for the Implementation of the Regulations on International Maritime Transportation in light of these amendments. The China Liaison Office will closely monitor the developments and keep the members updated.
Members are encouraged to review these regulatory updates and assess how they may impact current and future operations in the region. Should you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact the ICS Secretariat or the ICS (China) Liaison Office.
Best regards,
Edward Liu, MH
Principal Representative
ICS (China) Liaison Office & Shanghai Representative Office
• Beyond the hype:
What the maritime industry really thinks about AI and where they are making it work:
AI is already in Shipping – but adoption isn’t keeping pace with optimism. 82% believe AI can boost efficiency and cut manual work; 81% are piloting projects and Only 11% have a policy to scale.
The Biggest blockers? Trust, culture and governance – Not Tech. Day 2 of the leaders’ summit in Copenhagen, where the EU has
been joined by heads of state from across Europe, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
The European Political Community, as the gathering is known, was conceived by President Emmanuel Macron as a forum for non-EU and EU countries to get together and discuss shared challenges. First convened in the shadow of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, its power is as much symbolic as yielding concrete deliverables, but its focus is still very much on Ukraine.
“It is our war, and if Ukraine loses it means our failure,” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told the gathering as he took the stage in a friendly fireside-chat format alongside Starmer, Macron and Moldovan President Maia Sandu, fresh from her election victory last weekend. Tusk warned that if Russia wins against Ukraine, Poland knows “it’s the end of our country.”
Macron highlighted the progress Europe has made against Russia, noting that Finland and Sweden’s decision to join NATO had been a “big strategic defeat” for Moscow.
Beneath the show of unity, cracks were evident. The European Commission’s plan for a drone wall got a lukewarm reception from countries yesterday, with Italy and Spain arguing that defense plans must help the entire continent — not just the EU’s eastern flank.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz clashed with Hungarian leader Viktor Orban during the meeting over the latter’s overtures to Moscow, our Bloomberg team reported overnight.
This morning, Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever doubled down on his resistance to the EU’s plan to tap up to €185 billion in Russian assets held in his country for reparation loans for Ukraine.
The EU’s plan entails “huge amounts of money,” requiring guarantees for “a very long time,” he told journalists in Copenhagen. His comments come as Russia warned that it may nationalize and swiftly sell off foreign-owned assets in retaliation for any European moves to seize Russian holdings abroad.
Separately, France confirmed that it had detained the captain of an oil tanker linked to Russia that was close to the Danish coast. Macron said it was important to identify and act on so-called shadow fleet vessels that have been evading sanctions, describing the business model as “totally industrialized.” “I suggest that in the framework of the coalition of the willing, with close coordination with NATO, we work to see how to optimize this common action,” he told the summit.
• Gas turbines don’t typically feature on a list of climate solutions. After all, these fast-spinning devices weighing hundreds of tons burn methane to generate electricity, emitting carbon dioxide in the process.
But there aren’t yet cheap enough batteries to ease the peaks and troughs of renewables, and gas can help provide grid stability while reducing carbon intensity and air pollution compared to relying on coal. There’s a problem, though: The world is experiencing a turbine shortage.
• Chinese automakers captured a record 9.8% share of the European hybrid market in August—a further step forward in a segment that is becoming increasingly important for buyers and manufacturers alike. Figures from market researcher Dataforce show that Chinese brands have reached a new high in the segment for the fourth time this year. Sales of all-electric vehicles reached 9.6% in August—a slight decline compared to July. Manufacturers such as BYD and the SAIC brand MG are pushing into the growing European electric car market with affordable and competitive models, putting pressure on market leaders such as the Volkswagen Group and Stellantis. The multi-brand group, which includes Fiat and Opel, is reportedly considering the sale of its car-sharing division Free2move . Stellantis shares are climbing almost 8% in Milan today on the news that the Jeep manufacturer reported a 6% increase in Q3 sales in the USA. Renault and the Chinese manufacturer Chery Automobile are negotiating a cooperation in the production and distribution of cars in South America, according to informed sources.
Further upwards
Goldman Sachs remains optimistic about the development of the gold price and sees further upside potential , driven by increased demand from private investors and purchases by central banks. Analysts led by Daan Struyven point to surprisingly strong inflows into gold-backed ETFs, which have exceeded previous model assumptions. The potential for private investors to diversify their portfolios more towards gold represents a “major upside risk” to the bank’s price forecast, which is $4,000 per ounce by mid-2026 and $4,300 per ounce by the end of next year. Just a month ago, Goldman pointed out that gold could reach the $5,000 mark if just 1% of the privately held US Treasury market were to be shifted into the precious metal. Gold has risen almost 50% this year, surpassing the inflation-adjusted record high of 1980. Since the end of August, gold has gained around 12% and is currently trading at around $3,883 per ounce. The US government shutdown recently provided a tailwind.
• The European Union plans to double the duty on steel imports to 50%, matching the tariffs being levied in the US in an effort to preserve the 27-nation bloc’s heavy industry. It also plans to cut by nearly half the volume of steel that’s allowed in before the higher rate takes effect.
While Europe’s steel industry has been demanding tighter measures for months, policymakers are coming around because of the risk that manufacturing could shift outside the bloc. Some leaders have also pointed to steel’s importance for arms manufacturing. “Our reality today and tomorrow is security and security means armaments and armaments means steel,” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told us yesterday.
European steelmakers shifting to cleaner but more costly production methods are facing twin challenges from Beijing and Washington. US markets have narrowed after the Trump administration imposed its own tariffs on imports.
Meanwhile, Chinese overcapacity threatens to swamp EU markets already losing share in key industries.
The knock-on impact from the EU steel duties could spread far and wide. Ukraine steelmaker Metinvest, owned by
billionaire Rinat Akhmetov, is trying to extend the maturity of its debt. New hurdles to selling next door will be of interest to creditors. At home in the EU, steel-hungry companies like Siemens Energy, which is already bumping against the limits of manufacturing capacity, may experience ripples in their supply chains.
• Shutdown continues. White House Budget Director Russell Vought is planning to swiftly dismiss federal workers, a sign that Republicans are leaning into hardball tactics to pressure the Democrats into caving as the shutdown entered a second day. Health insurers are betting on a lobbying offensive to ease the way to renewed Obamacare subsidies and forge a path out of the deadlock, while gold held a rally that saw it reach successive records this week on shutdown concerns.
• Trump said US cities should be used as military “training grounds”, as defence secretary Pete Hegseth called for a new “war fighting culture” at a gathering of the country’s admirals and generals.
US trade representative Jamieson Greer has warned Washington will continue to hit its trading partners with tariffs even if some are ruled illegal by the Supreme Court later this year.
• Russian colonel issues terrifying World War 3 nuclear threat to Britain and US
New intelligence shows Washington is preparing to bolster Kyiv with the provision of Tomahawk and Barracuda missiles for deep incursions into Russian territory – which a Russian colonel said would trigger WW3 Russia has warned that any US move greenlit by Donald Trump to supply long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine could trigger a Kremlin declaration of nuclear war against both the United States and Britain.
• Morocco : Long seen as a pillar of stability in a turbulent Arab world, Morocco is being shaken by the world’s latest wave of “Gen Z” protests.
• Army guards shot dead two people overnight — the first reported fatalities in five days of demonstrations across the kingdom.
• With more than 1,000 already detained, it’s Morocco’s worst upheaval since the 2011 Arab Spring and a worrying sign the situation on Europe’s doorstep may be spiralling out of control.
• On the face of it, the target was unlikely. When the football-mad North African nation was announced co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, many of its 38 million people rejoiced.
• But lavish outlay on stadiums and infrastructure — part of some $35 billion of spending pencilled in for the next decade — has seen long-simmering resentment over high unemployment and failing public services boil over.
• Xi Jinping’s Successor and the Future of China
Episode Details
When Xi Jinping took over the Chinese Communist Party in 2012, he began a new chapter in China’s history—one that would come to be defined above all by his grip on power. Xi overhauled not only the CCP but also China’s economy, military, and role in the world. Yet no matter how secure his power may be—and no matter his recent hot-mic musings about living to 150—what comes after Xi, and how it comes, is an increasingly central question in Chinese politics.
A s the political scientists Tyler Jost and Daniel Mattingly wrote recently in Foreign Affairs, “For any authoritarian regime, political succession is a moment of peril . . . and for all its strengths, the CCP is no exception.” And that’s not just a risk for the future. The uncertainty and the jockeying that the succession question spurs is already starting to shape China’s present.
To Jost and Mattingly, there’s more at stake than just the matter of who will follow Xi. They note: “The drama created by a struggle over the succession . . . is unlikely to stay inside China’s borders.” They joined Deputy Editor Chloe Fox to discuss the nature of Xi’s rule, his attempt to define his legacy, and what that will mean for China in the coming months, years, and decades.
• German shipowner NSB brings carbon removal to shipping in air capture deal
Partnership with Phlair involves credits acquired through underground storage of CO2
German manager and shipowner NSB Group is pioneering a carbon removal scheme for shipping.
The Buxtehude-based operation said it had struck a deal with compatriot Phlair, which uses direct air capture (DAC) and underground storage of CO2 to generate removal credits.
• Maersk lays down the law to shipowners after huge retrofit plan for chartered ships
Danish owner says unmodified third-party vessels will risk slipping down the pecking order for renewals
Danish liner giant AP Moller-Maersk has warned that third-party chartered-in vessels whose owners refuse green retrofits risk not having their contracts extended.
The Copenhagen shipowner revealed on Thursday that it has been collaborating with 50 other owners to carry out work on about 200 boxships to improve their fuel efficiency and cut emissions.
• Maersk retrofits 200 container ships in chartered fleet to cut emissions
Danish giant works with 50 shipowners on ‘large-scale’ programme Danish giant AP Moller-Maersk is transforming its time-chartered fleet through a huge programme of green retrofits.
The container line said it has worked with 50 different shipowners controlling 200 vessels that Maersk operates.
• Maersk slims yards selection to two in hunt for LNG dual-fuel newbuildings
Chinese duo slugging it out for 12-ship order
Danish shipowner AP Moller-Maersk has narrowed down its choice of shipbuilders to two as it accelerates efforts to secure yard slots for up to 12 LNG dual-fuelled newbuildings.
• Jinhui Shipping splashes $99m on three bulker newbuildings
Oslo-listed shipowner makes ‘very substantial acquisitions’
Jinhui Shipping & Transportation is spending $99.15m on three 64,500- dwt bulkers.
The Oslo-listed, Hong Kong-based shipowner has commissioned China’s Jiangmen Nanyang Ship Engineering in Guangdong to build the trio.
They are scheduled for delivery in January, February and March 2028.
• Houthi ‘sanctions’ on US shipping interests a regional power play, says analyst
The militant group announced it is targeting US ships, owners, oil majors and charterers
Threats imposed by the Houthis against US shipping interests do not mark a major escalation that would trigger new military strikes by the Trump administration, says S&P Global Market Intelligence.
The risk to shipping in the Red Sea area remains severe but unlikely to have been increased by the Houthis’ naming of ships, shipowners, oil majors and charterers on its own blacklist.
• Missile strike on ship in Gulf of Aden prompts Houthi terror listing demand
Rebel group has claimed responsibility for direct hit on Dutch-flagged Minervagracht.
The Netherlands has called on the European Union to designate the Houthi rebel group as a terrorist organisation following an attack on Monday on a Dutch-flagged ship in the Gulf of Aden.
The Yemen-based militants claimed the missile strike on the 12,200- dwt Minervagracht (built 2011) that injured two seafarers and left the vessel on fire and adrift.
• Stolt-Nielsen profit falling from market peak while beating expectations
Chemical tanker giant sees its financial performance dip. Stolt-Nielsen exceeded expectations in the third quarter while its financial performance took a tumble. The Oslo listed company reported on Thursday a quarterly profit of $64mn, down from $99mn for the same period last year, with its operating profit from Stolt Tankers nearly halved.
• NYK and Stolt Tankers bump up chemical tanker order in China
Series of large carriers expanded to eight ships at Nantong Xiangyu. Japan’s NYK and Norwegian-owned Stolt Tankers have deepened their cooperation with an order for more chemical tankers in China. The duo aims to capture growing demand for large carriers with a deal for two extra 38,000-dwt units at Nantong Xiangyu.
• Four-time governance king Genco Shipping may be feeling the crown wobble
This week’s Streetwise examines two recent moves that may get the watchdogs barking
New York-based bulker owner Genco Shipping & Trading is the first company to top Webber Research’s annual ESG Scorecard four times, and indeed it’s four years running as shipping’s governance champ.
But all good things do end, and Streetwise suspects Genco’s reign will be over when watchdog analyst Michael Webber publishes his new tables later this year.
• ‘Warning signs’: Cooling of red-hot VLCC rates sparks questions around fourth- quarter fireworks
Signal Ocean sees two possibilities for largest tankers in final months of the year. Softening VLCC forward freight agreement (FFA) levels could be signalling a weaker end to the year, Signal Ocean says. The Baltic Exchange’s FFA assessment for the Middle East to China route hit a year-to-date high of Worldscale 105.6 on 17 September. The rally was accompanied by bullish statements from major owners and talk of a new supercycle beginning.
• Bulker player Nova Marine teams up with aggregates supplier in multipurpose joint venture
Partners will design and operate a new multipurpose, container and ro-ro vessel
Bulker operator Nova Marine Carriers and aggregates supplier McCallum Bros have teamed up to build and operate a multipurpose, container and ro-ro vessel in New Zealand. The partners have won a tender issued by the New Zealand Ministry of Transport to operate a MPP shuttle service to the Chatham Islands.
• Boluda buys Boskalis towage arm in Australia and Papua New Guinea for $640m
Spanish towage giant Boluda has struck a $640m deal to acquire Royal Boskalis’ harbour towage and salvage business in Australia and Papua New Guinea, cementing its position as the world’s largest operator in the sector.
The takeover hands Boluda operations at key bulk and energy hubs, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Newcastle, Gladstone, Perth, and Port Moresby. These ports handle high volumes of iron ore, coal, LNG, gold and lithium exports, connecting Australia’s raw material production to global markets, particularly in Asia.
The move lifts Boluda’s global footprint to over 230 ports across five continents and boosts its fleet to more than 850 vessels. The company now employs around 10,000 people worldwide, including over 8,000 seafarers.
“With this acquisition, we improve the service and operational efficiency for our clients, consolidating ourselves as the leading global player in towage,” said Vicente Boluda Ceballos, chairman of Boluda Towage. He added the company aims to support port infrastructure development through improved efficiency, safety and sustainability.
The deal further strengthens Boluda’s presence in the Asia Pacific, where it already operates in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Timor-Leste.
• Shipping arbitration landscape shifts beyond London
London has maintained its position as the world’s top maritime arbitration hub, although new data from HFW shows Asia’s centres are closing the gap.
The law firm’s sixth Maritime Arbitration in Numbers report analysed responses from 19 arbitral bodies across 18 jurisdictions. It found that while London remains dominant, Singapore and Hong Kong are rapidly building their share, while new hubs in Dubai, China and the US are showing growing momentum.
The London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA) recorded 1,845 new maritime references in 2023, the highest since 2014. Numbers slipped slightly in 2024 to 1,733, reflecting a return to pre-pandemic levels, but London still handled more than 1,800 new maritime arbitrations last year. The London Court of International Arbitration also reported a dip in transport and commodities disputes, though the sector maintained its largest caseload.
Singapore remains London’s closest competitor. The Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration (SCMA) reported 95 new cases in 2024, a 73% jump year-on-year, while the Singapore International Arbitration Centre logged 72 maritime disputes. Combined, Singapore accounted for about 9% of London’s maritime arbitration caseload, up from 7% in 2023 and 5% in 2022.
Hong Kong is also climbing, with 43 maritime cases filed at HKIAC in 2024 and a 36% increase in appointments at HKMAG. Both centres have steadily expanded since 2020.
China is emerging as a player, with the China Maritime Arbitration Commission reporting 239 cases in 2024, including 93 foreign-related disputes. Dubai’s DIAC, meanwhile, handled 12 shipping cases last year, several linked to Russian oil trades.
In the US, New York’s Society of Maritime Arbitrators saw an 18% rise in arbitral appointments in 2024, while activity is also growing along the Gulf Coast through the Houston Maritime Arbitrators Association.
HFW noted that London’s dominance is unlikely to be overturned soon, particularly with reforms under the Arbitration Act 2025 reinforcing its appeal. But the growing strength of Asian and regional hubs points to a more competitive and diversified arbitration landscape ahead.
• Toro adds to tanker fleet with $30m MR2 buy
Nasdaq-listed owner Toro Corp has added a modern products tanker to its fleet as it reduces its footprint in the LPG segment.
The Petros Panagiotidis-led spinoff of Cyprus-based Castor Maritime has acquired the 2014-built MR2 tanker named Wonder Maia for $30.3m. The South Korea-built vessel was delivered to the company in late September. The acquisition comes as Toro trims its LPG exposure. The company sold the 5,000 cu m Dream Syrax for $18m, and the 2020- built, 4,700 cu m Dream Terrax to its own spin-off and Panagiotidis- controlled Nasdaq-listed vehicle Robin Energy. Both ships changed hands last month.
Robin Energy, created in March when Toro divested its last handysize product carrier, Wonder Mimosa, now owns two of Toro’s former LPG units and the 2006-built MR1 unit.
Meanwhile, Toro has been tilting back toward product tankers. In June, it acquired the 2021-built Celsius Philadelphia, renamed Wonder Altair, and fixed it on a 12-month time charter at $20,600 per day, starting upon expiration of the current employment at $17,675 per day that can last until February 2026.
Since its establishment in 2022, Toro has sold off seven of its original eight tankers at a profit while reshuffling into LPG carriers. Following the latest moves, the company’s fleet stands at two MR2 tankers and two LPG carriers.
• ‘Clear incentives’ needed for industry to decarbonise
Alternative fuel production only a tiny fraction of what is needed, conference hears. Paying to pollute ‘not an answer’, says BIMCO president designate Senior owner says that efficiencies from design and retrofitting have been ‘exhausted’
Conference in Athens lays bare divisions of opinion among shipowners on Net-Zero Framework but all agreed that incentives are badly needed to trigger investments.
• Shadow fleet master detained as Macron urges Europe to increase shadow fleet pressure
oracay has been under the watchful eye of French authorities for several days now
President Macron said the tanker’s crew had committed some “very serious offences”, but remained tight-lipped on whether the tanker served as a launchpad for drones that entered Danish airspace last week
THE master of a sanctioned tanker has been detained by French authorities, after President Macron urged Europe to crank up the pressure on Russia’s shadow fleet*
As reported by Lloyd’s List earlier this week, Boracay (IMO: 9332810), an 18-year-old aframax using the fraudulent Benin flag, deviated towards the French coast on Monday, having been approached by a French naval vessel.
The prosecutor’s office in Brest, where the formal report was lodged by the navy, is understood to be investigating the tanker for “lack of documentation of the ship’s nationality and flag affiliation” and “refusal to comply with the authorities’ instructions”.
Boracay was one of three ships with Russian links that were understood to be under investigation in Denmark, after suspected drone sightings led Danish authorities to briefly close Copenhagen airport last week. The Danish government, however, has made no move to detain the vessels.
President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at a summit of EU leaders in Copenhagen, said the crew had committed “some very serious offences”, but when asked by reporters if the tanker was linked to the drone incident last week, he said he would “remain very careful” and refused to implicate Boracay.
He urged Europe to increase the pressure on Russia’s shadow fleet.
“You kill the business model by detaining, even for days or weeks, these vessels and forcing them to organise themselves differently,” he said.
But two individuals Lloyd’s List understands to be the tanker’s master and chief officer were taken into custody by French forces. The chief officer has since been released, Le Monde reported, but the master has been summoned to appear in court next year.