Russian tanker abandoned six years ago attracts attention of Polish authorities

A Russian-registered tanker docked in the port of Gdynia is once again attracting interest from Polish authorities.

Poland has turned its attention to an abandoned tanker in the port of Gdynia as part of an investigation into Russian vessels’ involvement in sabotage in the Baltic Sea, The Maritime Executive reports.

The oil tanker Khatanga (23,000 dwt) was detained in the port of Gdynia in October 2017. An inspection of the vessel revealed structural problems, as well as questions about the training and competence of the crew. The vessel, owned by Murmansk Shipping Company, was undergoing repairs.

However, Murmansk Shipping Company declared bankruptcy in 2020, and control of the vessel passed to the company’s trustee. The owners have periodically inspected the vessel, but appear to have lost interest. According to Polish media, the vessel is not even equipped with the main crew.

During recent winter storms, a nearby naval service vessel raised the alarm, fearing that the tanker would drift and hit a service vessel. Tugs were able to secure the vessel in the port of Gdynia.

The Polish Military Counterintelligence Service (SKW) and the Internal Security Agency (ABW) are reportedly currently investigating the tanker. Members of the Special Services Committee have also expressed interest in the vessel.

The Gdynia Sea Port Authority says it has taken legal action to resolve the issue of the vessel, which was in the port. It is reported that the authority is considering seizing the vessel to pay the owners’ debt for unpaid port dues.

According to Polish law, the authorities were unable to inspect the vessel. The ZET radio report highlighted safety concerns, as the oil tanks had not been degassed, which could have led to the accumulation of explosive gases on board.

The radio also points to the strategic nature of the port of Gdynia, noting it as the main port for the Polish Navy. It is also reported that NATO equipment is being transshipped at the Baltic Container Terminal. Given that the Eagle S (the tanker involved in the damage to the submarine cables in the Baltic Sea) was loaded with Russian spy equipment, one can only speculate what equipment may be stored on board the Khatanga.

Another possible course of action being considered is to add the shipping company that owns it to the sanctions list. This would also allow the Polish authorities to seize the vessel.

For now, the Khatanga remains docked at the port of Gdynia. Brokers list the vessel as potentially sold.