Sanctioned shadow fleet oil tanker Qendil runs aground in the Aegean sea

A sanctioned shadow fleet oil tanker has run aground in the Aegean Sea near Turkey, triggering an emergency response and renewed scrutiny of Russia-linked tanker operations. According to Maritime Executive, the incident involved the tanker Qendil, a vessel previously targeted by Ukrainian drones in the Mediterranean.

 

The 250-meter oil tanker went aground off the coast of Bozcaada (Tenedos), a popular tourist island located near the southern approach to the Dardanelles. Turkey’s maritime safety authority KEGM said the vessel was sailing from Aliaga to Yalova when it drifted onto a rocky shoreline. The area features dense maritime traffic and numerous small islands under both Turkish and Greek control.

 

AIS data from Pole Star shows that Qendil anchored southwest of Bozcaada on December 30 in waters considered safe for a tanker of her size. For several days, the vessel maintained a stable anchor position. However, at around 10:30 GMT on January 4, the ship broke free from anchorage and began drifting downwind. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause.

 

The tanker reportedly reached a speed of four knots, an unusually high rate for a drifting vessel, before grounding roughly 100 meters from shore. Footage from the scene shows strong onshore winds and heavy seas pushing the vessel toward the rocks.

 

KEGM dispatched two salvage tugs, Kurtarma-10 and Kurtarma-16, to stabilize the situation. Officials reported no injuries or pollution. Qendil was sailing in ballast condition, which significantly reduced the environmental risk.

 

Built in 2006, Qendil (IMO 9310525) is a 115,000-dwt oil tanker currently flying the flag of Oman. Ownership records link the vessel to India, while a Chinese firm manages operations. Previously, the tanker sailed under several names, including Spark, Oilstar and Ionia.

 

The ship’s compliance record raises concerns. Qendil last underwent a Port State Control inspection three years ago, before a series of ownership and flag changes. Since then, the vessel has passed through six different flag registries and changed owners three times. During the same period, AIS data shows frequent calls at St. Petersburg, Vadinar and Mangaluru – ports closely associated with the trade in discounted Russian crude.

 

These operational patterns, combined with the vessel’s age and management structure, align with characteristics commonly linked to the Russia-serving shadow fleet. Several countries have imposed sanctions on Qendil. According to OpenSanctions, the tanker previously operated under Oceanix Management FZE and Gatik Ship Management, both sanctioned entities. Canada, Australia, Switzerland and New Zealand have formally blacklisted the vessel.

 

Ukraine has also sanctioned Qendil and her master, identified as Russian national Andrei Chumakov. Ukrainian authorities report that drone forces attacked the tanker in the Mediterranean in mid-December, underscoring the growing security risks surrounding sanctioned oil transport routes.

 

Source: Maritime executive

Picture: The Maritime