Ukrainian Authorities Seize Cameroon-Flagged Ship for Violating Crimean Grain Sanctions

The ship's Azerbaijani captain and twelve non-Ukrainian crew members were on board during the interception in the Romanian waters of the Danube. The vessel, loaded with barley bound for Greece, is alleged to have made at least two stops at the port of Sevastopol in Crimea since November 2023. To evade detection, the Usko MFU reportedly deactivated its AIS (Automatic Identification System).

This incident highlights the challenges faced in monitoring maritime traffic. The deactivation of AIS by the Usko MFU demonstrates how certain ships might attempt to avoid detection, complicating the efforts of international maritime authorities to enforce regulations.

The seizure comes in a particular context. Three months earlier, Cameroon had suspended the international registration of its fleet for six months. This decision was in response to concerns raised by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) about "ghost ships" operating under the Cameroonian flag. These vessels were suspected of assisting Russia in circumventing international sanctions on its oil exports.

The incident underscores the ongoing complexities and geopolitical tensions in maritime trade, particularly concerning the enforcement of sanctions and the monitoring of shipping activities. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how international and regional authorities will address the challenges posed by such evasive tactics in maritime operations.