Italy Seizes Bulker Over Suspected Sanctions Evasion

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Italian authorities have seized a handysize bulk carrier in the port of Brindisi after investigators flagged suspected violations of EU sanctions on Russia, including alleged falsification of voyage and cargo documentation. The vessel was carrying roughly 33,000 tonnes of ferrous metal, with authorities alleging the cargo originated from the Russian port of Novorossiysk.

According to reports, inspectors identified “serious inconsistencies” and suspected alterations in onboard records related to port calls and loading operations. Authorities also allege the ship’s AIS transponder was deactivated near the Russian port, potentially to avoid tracking and hinder enforcement checks.

The seizure underscores growing enforcement focus across Europe on sanctions compliance and the expanding risk exposure for shipowners, charterers, cargo interests, and intermediaries involved in trade linked to sanctioned jurisdictions. It also highlights how compliance failures, whether intentional or procedural, can trigger vessel detentions, legal proceedings, and significant downstream disruption.

For supply chain stakeholders, this incident reinforces the importance of strengthened due diligence, cargo documentation controls, and voyage transparency tools as sanctions enforcement becomes more aggressive and operationally consequential.

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