Italy detained a ship carrying metals from Russia
18.01.2026 - 12:30
A ship carrying metal products from Russia under the flag of another country was detained in the Italian port of Brindisi.
A ship under the flag of an island country in Oceania was detained in the port of Brindisi, ANSA. reports.
It was transporting more than 33,000 tons of ferrous metals from the port of Novorossiysk (Russia). During inspections on the ship, “serious discrepancies, falsifications and changes in on-board documentation” were discovered regarding the ship’s parking locations and cargo operations.
For example, it turned out that the ship was in Novorossiysk from November 13 to 16, 2025, where it carried out prohibited cargo operations. Also, near Novorossiysk, the ship turned off its GPS receiver and transponder.
Four people are currently under investigation: the importer, the shipowner and two crew members — they are accused of violating EU sanctions.
Project manager of the Institute for Black Sea Strategic Studies Andriy Klimenko said, that their monitoring group has identified the vessel that was detained in Italy. This is the bulk carrier HIZIR REIS under the flag of Tuvalu, built in 1999. The shipowner and operator of the bulk carrier are companies from Turkey.
Earlier, USM reported that Germany is stepping up actions against the Russian “shadow fleet” in its waters.
