The Mexican Navy continued to detain the 'Grace' in Progreso, which the U.S. Coast Guard had intercepted on Sep 5, en route to Cuba. Mexico was officially treating the incident as an environmental violation. The ship was under the custody of the Mexican Ministry of the Navy (Secretaría de Marina, Semar), according to the Novena Zona Naval, based in Yucalpetén. The cargo was undergoing technical analysis, with particular attention paid to the quality and composition of the fuel on board. The USCG spoke of illegal fuel trafficking with Cuba and of methods employed by the so-called shadow fleet. Another reason given were alleged violations of regulations to prevent oil spills and international standards for the protection of the marine environment. According to a local report, an oil slick had been reported off the Costa Esmeralda in Yucatán prior to the seizure. Whether it was related to the ship remained unproven. The environmental justification allowed Mexico to detain the ship without commenting on the US sanctions policy toward Cuba. Mexico itself was one of Cuba's most important oil suppliers until early 2026. D The "Grace" had left a Panamanian port fully loaded on Aug 31. Five days later, the ship was stopped. On July 18, the ''Grace' had entered the port of Mariel, west of Havana, near a major power plant, after leaving Mariel on July 22. It arrived empty in Progreso on Aug 10 and returned to Panama. The 'Grace' also had sailed from Mariel to Venezuela in May. The owner of the ship is the Arkos Capital, based in Riga, whicon own only this one vessel. Report with video: https://fr.cibercuba.com/noticias/2026-10-03-u1-e13-s27061-nid341791-funciona-flota-oscura-lleva-combustible-cuba-barcos
News
CHUANG HAI XING1
The 'Chuang Hai Xing 1' was detained in Xiamen on Oct 2, 2026, with 13 serious defiencies: 11101 - LIFE SAVING APPLIANCES - Lifeboats (no responsibility of RO) 14402 - POLLUTION PREVENTION - MARPOL ANNEX IV - Sewage treatment plant (Asia Shipping Certification Services (ASCS)) 10109 - SAFETY OF NAVIGATION - Lights, shapes, sound-signals (Asia Shipping Certification Services (ASCS)) 14104 - POLLUTION PREVENTION - MARPOL ANNEX I - Oil filtering equipment (Asia Shipping Certification Services (ASCS)) 03105 - WATER/WEATHERTIGHT CONDITIONS - Covers (hatchway-, portable-, tarpaulins, etc.) (Asia Shipping Certification Services (ASCS)) 07109 - FIRE SAFETY - Fixed fire extinguishing installation (Asia Shipping Certification Services (ASCS)) 03105 - WATER/WEATHERTIGHT CONDITIONS - Covers (hatchway-, portable-, tarpaulins, etc.) (Asia Shipping Certification Services (ASCS)) 03110 - WATER/WEATHERTIGHT CONDITIONS - Manholes/flush scuttles (no responsibility of RO) 11104 - LIFE SAVING APPLIANCES - Rescue boats (no responsibility of RO) 03104 - WATER/WEATHERTIGHT CONDITIONS - Cargo & other hatchways (Asia Shipping Certification Services (ASCS)) 07109 - FIRE SAFETY - Fixed fire extinguishing installation (Asia Shipping Certification Services (ASCS)) 10112 - SAFETY OF NAVIGATION - Electronic charts (ECDIS) (no responsibility of RO) 07113 - FIRE SAFETY - Fire pumps and its pipes (Asia Shipping Certification Services (ASCS)).
LADY D
The 'Lady D' was detained on Sep 28, 2026, in Aliağa with 15 deficiencies, seven of which being regarded as seriously and grounds for a detention: 1) Certificate & Doc - Other (Certificates) Other 2) Emergency system - Emergency fire pump and its pipes Not properly maintained 3) Safety of navigation - Charts Expired 4) Safety of navigation - Voyage or passage plan Missing 5) Pollution Prevention - Ballast Water Management Plan Not updated 6) Pollution Prevention - Ballast Water Management System Malfunctioning 7) ISM - Ism certificate Not as required The vessel was released again on Sep 30 and left the port enroute to Dikili. The last detention was on March 13 in Gemlik with 42 deficiencies for seven days. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063576908591
HEBRIDES
The 'Hebrides', serving on the route Uig - Tarbert, sufffered an issue with the FRC on Oct 3. As a result, the scheduled 12:10 p.m. sailing departing from the port of Tarbert was at risk, but announced to depart as soon as possible.
LOCH DUNVEGAN
The 'Loch Dunvegan', serving on the route Colintraive - Rhubodach, suffered a ramp damage on Oct 3. Repair attempts have been unsuccessful, and the vessel had thus to continue operating single ended. The service was resumed with the 3:30 p.m. sailing departing from the port of Colintraive. Vehicles may be required to reverse on/off the car deck until further notice.
FILO JET
Rescue teams have recovered another body from the wreckage of the 'Filo Jet' on Oct 4. This brought the death toll to 19. According to the relevant authorities, nine people remained missing. The latest development was announced by the office of the Prime Minister of the occupied territories, Unal Üstel. Specialised teams continued to work at the wreck site and in the surrounding waters. The ship was restung at a water depth of approximately 514 meters.
KAZIMAH III
The 'Kazimah III', operated by the Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC), was struck by several projectiles while transiting near the Strait of Hormuz near pos. 26°23.0' N, 056°26.3' E, about eight kilometres off the coast of Oman, while navigating an "unauthorised route" through the strait, on Oct 1, 2026, at 5.50 p.m. The targeted tanker was carrying approximately two million barrels of crude oil. The impact caused significant damage to the vessel's engine room, resulting in a fire onboard. The master has reported that the crew is safe, and there is no environmental impact at this time. Vessels in the area were advised by UKMTO to transit with extreme caution and report any suspicious activity.
IDA RAMBOW
On Oct 1, 2026, at around 2 p.m. the 'Ida Rambow', enroute from Kaliningrad to Bremerhaven, suffered an engine failure and and power blackout. It had to emergency anchor on the Elbe in the Altenbruch Bend between the buoys 38 and 40 in pos. 53°50’33.4″ N 8°48’12.6″E . The tugs 'Wulf 7' (IMO: 9183075) and 'Wulf 9' (IMO: 8714243) came to assist. They secured the vessel, and also the multi purpose ship 'Neuwerk' was deployed, but did not have to intervene. The container ship was then towed to Cuxhaven, where it was berthed at Siemens Gamesa at around 6 p.m., where it remained stationary until Oct 3. It then proceeded to its port of destination, from where it sailed again on Oct 5, next headed to Hamburg.
SKOON A
The 'Skoon A' was detained in Dalian on Oct 4, 2026, with seven serious defiencies: 14108 - POLLUTION PREVENTION - MARPOL ANNEX I - 15 PPM Alarm arrangmts. (no responsibility of RO) 07114 - FIRE SAFETY - Remote Means of control (opening,pumps,ventilation,etc.) Machinery spaces (no responsibility of RO) 07117 - FIRE SAFETY - Jacketed high pressure lines and oil leakage alarm (no responsibility of RO) 07114 - FIRE SAFETY - Remote Means of control (opening,pumps,ventilation,etc.) Machinery spaces (no responsibility of RO) 14104 - POLLUTION PREVENTION - MARPOL ANNEX I - Oil filtering equipment (no responsibility of RO) 13101 - PROPULSION AND AUXILIARY MACHINERY - Propulsion main engine (no responsibility of RO) 07199 - FIRE SAFETY - Other (fire safety) (no responsibility of RO). The ship was released again on Oct 5 and left the port enroute to Tomakomai with an ETa as of Oct 12.
NEW NEW POLAR BEAR
The 'Belle Aries', formerly the 'New New Pokar Bear', was detained in Shanghai on Oct 3, 2026, with four serious deficiencies: 1) Fire safety - Jacketed high pressure lines and oil leakage alarm Not as required 2) Fire safety - Fixed fire exthinguishing installation Inoperative 3) Fire safety - Remote Means of control (Machinery spaces) Inoperative 4) Fire safety - Fire detection and alarm system Not as required The vessel was released again on Oct 4 and anchored off the port of Shanghai in pos. 31° 31' N 121° 25' E. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063576908591
LOCH LINNHE
The ' Loch Linnhe', serving on the route Tobermory - Kilchoan, suffered a technical issue with the aft engine on Oct 3. As a consequence the following sailings were cancelled: Departure Tobermory - 11:00 a.m. Departure Kilchoan - 11:45 a.m. Departure Tobermory - 1:00 p.m. Departure Kilchoan - 1:45 p.m. The passenger charter ,m/v 'Dun I' operated sailings from the Tobermory Pontoons and the Kilchoan pier. On Oct 4, the technical issue with the engine was resolved, and sailings were no longer liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice.
ARIADNE
A fire broke out in the cargo of steel scrap of the 'Ariadne', which was berthed at a terminal at the Breslauer St. in Steinwerder in the Port of Hamburg, on the evening of Oct 4, 2026. At 8:58 p.m.,m the Hamburg Fire Department was alerted after smoke was billowing from a hatch of the ship. The affected hatch was loaded with approximately 6,500 tons of scrap steel. The emergency dispatch center sent a fire engine, specialised equipment for waterborne operations, specialised vehicles from the Hamburg Fire Department, the environmental protection unit, and the ambulance service to the scene. Upon arrival, the first responders confirmed the smoke was coming from the front of the hatch. The Fire Department conducted a thorough assessment of the situation, used thermal imaging technology for monitoring, and divided the operation into several operational sectors. Since the other hatches of the ship were not connected, the fire was ruled out from spreading to other cargo holds. In close coordination with the ship's captain, the operator, the environmental authority, the Central Command for Maritime Emergencies, and other experts, the firefighting and safety measures were continuously adapted. The emergency responders opened the hatch in a controlled manner, resulting in a significant spread of smoke in the area of the incident. Water was then introduced for firefighting. Simultaneously, parts of the cargo were rearranged or unloaded. Among other equipment, onboard fire hoses and a fireboat used 300 tons water to fight the fire. Temperatures in the affected area were continuously monitored. Once the situation was stabilised, the Hamburg Fire Department handed over the scene to the ship's insurer and the terminal operator. Further unloading and rearrangement operations were continued by those responsible on site. The vessel remained under observation by the fire department until Oct 5 at 4.10 a.m. Port workers continued to remove the cargo. The cause of the fire was still unknown. No one was injured. The bulk carrier had arrived enroute from Lisbon on Oct 1. Reports with photos: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/hamburger-hafen-feuer-auf-frachter,kurzehh-4510.html https://www.tag24.de/hamburg/feuerwehreinsatz-hamburg/feuer-auf-schiff-im-hamburger-hafen-stundenlanger-kampf-gegen-flammen-3537600 https://www.mopo.de/hamburg/polizei/feuer-auf-frachtschiff-im-hamburger-hafen-spezialfirma-rueckt-an/5020835
US GOVT VESSEL
On Oct 3, 2026, a decommissioning ceremony was held at Naval Base San Diego for the USS 'Germantown', after it had spent 40 years in active service, during which guest speaker Brigadier General Samuel L. Meyer, the director of expeditionary warfare, paid tribute to the legacy of the vessel and generations of sailors, Marines, and families whose service gave life to the ship’s history. The Whidbey Island-class vessel had a crew of 22 officers and 391 sailors, with additional space for up to 102 personnel if needed for specialised missions. Constructed in Seattle by Lockheed Shipbuilding, the ship was christened after the Battle of Germantown, which occurred on Oct 4, 1777, during the American Revolutionary War. When it first entered service, the vessel sailed regularly from San Diego before it was deployed to Japan’s Sasebo, where, it assisted amphibious operations and the Marines. It was the first dock landing vessel to perform these operations using Landing Craft Air Cushion vehicles. It was part of several crucial missions such as Operation Desert Storm, Operation Desert Shield, along with Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 'Germantown' also participated in humanitarian aid missions and disaster relief operations after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 in the Philippines and the tsunami in the Indian Ocean in 2004. It played an indispensable role in Operation Tomodachi, which was executed after Japan was hit with a tsunami in 2011 following an earthquake. The 'Germantown' also participated in the biggest naval exercise in the world, the Rim of the Pacific, and others such as Talisman Sabre, Cobra Gold, etc to forge stronger defense ties with U.S. allies and defense partners. The ship was awarded two Navy Unit Commendations, three Meritorious Unit Commendations, and 6 Battle E Awards.
HAJ YEHIA
The 'Haj Yehia' was detained on Sep 25, 2026, in Thessaloniki with seven deficiencies, three of which being regarded as seriously and grounds for a detention: 1) Pollution Prevention - Fuel change-over procedure Not as required 2) Emergency systems - Fire drills Lack of training 3) ISM - Ism certificate Not as required The vessel was released again on Oct 2 and left the port enroute to Poti with an ETA as of Oct 7. The last detention was on June 4 in Antalya with eight deficiencies for one day. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063576908591
HEBRIDES
The 'Hebrides', serving on the route Uig - Tarbert, suffered a technical issue with the bow visor on the morning of Sep 12. While technicians were called and successfully fixed the issue, the ship was delayed throughout the day, gradually reducing it. It departed Lochmaddy at 6:36 p.m., one hour 51 minutes late ,with an ETA in Uig as of 8:21 p.m.
LOCHNEVIS
The 'Loch Nevis', serving on the route Mallaig - Armadale, suffered an issue, which was impacting berth availability in Mallaig on Oct 4. Divers were called and removed an obstruction, which the vessel had picked up, on the morning at the quay in Mallaig. After the issue was resolved, the scheduled 09:30 a.m. sailing finally departed at approximately 10:30 a.m. The scheduled 10:20 a.m. sailing from Armadale and the 11:30 a.m. sailing from Mallaig were operate on a load and go basis.
TERRA 2
The 'Terra 2' got stuck in the Britannia Port of Düsseldorf on Sep 28, 2026. After being loaded with 168 Mercedes Sprinter vans, the vessel had attempted to leave harbour basin B, but ran aground shortly afterwards in pos. 51° 13' N 006° 45' E between the Weizenmühlen St. and the Kessel St. The captain attempted to free the ship by turning it around, which resulted only in a minimal progress. All attempts to refloat it, using an anchor winch and weight shifts, failed during the following hours. Shipping traffic on the Rhine was not affected. The use of tugs was impossible due to the low water level, as these would otherwise face the same problem and could run aground too. The goal instead was to maneuver the ship back towards the quay and unload its cargo. On the afternoon of Sep 29, another barge was able to push the 'Terra 2' back towards the quay. After offloading some of the vans to reduce the draught, another attempt to reach the port of destination with the remainder of the cargo was planned. The charterer Mosolf had to wait for the regulations from the water police and the harbour master regarding the draught and, consequently, the load it would be allowed to carry. The 160 vans on board totaled 390 tons, while the cargo ship's generally permissible payload was 3,500 tons. The ship had space for 190 Sprinter vans, so the cargo had already been reduced. After the ship was freed from the sandbank, 50 more Sprinter vans were unloaded. Another attempt to leave the port then was successful on Oct 3, after the water level of the Rhine had increased a bit, and the ship headed towards Duisburg and further on to Rotterdam. Reports with photos and video: https://www.freiepresse.de/nachrichten/wirtschaft/nach-sandbank-malheur-frachtschiff-schafft-es-auf-den-rhein-artikel14433199 https://www.wz.de/nrw/frachter-bleibt-im-hafen-stecken_aid-155702245 https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/regional/nordrheinwestfalen/wdr-wegen-niedrigem-rheinpegel-frachtschiff-faehrt-sich-in-duesseldorf-fest-100.html https://www.n-tv.de/regionales/nordrhein-westfalen/Frachtschiff-steckt-noch-immer-im-Duesseldorfer-Hafen-fest-id31359686.html https://www.tag24.de/nordrhein-westfalen/duesseldorf/rheinpegel-zu-niedrig-frachtschiff-faehrt-sich-in-duesseldorfer-hafen-fest-3535925-amp https://www1.wdr.de/nrw/duesseldorf/schiff-festgefahren-hafenbecken-duesseldorf-100.html?shem=aimgspe, https://www.nrz.de/lokales/duesseldorf/article413282402/wegen-niedrigwasser-frachtschiff-faehrt-sich-im-duesseldorfer-hafen-fest.html

