Italian authorities detained a 27-year-old handysize bulk carrier at the Port of Brindisi on suspicion of violating European Union sanctions against Russia, following the detection of irregularities related to a shipment of approximately 33,000 tons of iron metal.

The detention was carried out as a result of a joint operation between the Guardia di Finanza (Financial Security Forces) and customs officials. Inspectors identified significant inconsistencies in the ship's documentation, as well as elements suggesting potential forgery.

AIS records based on MarineTraffic data revealed that the last port the vessel visited was Russia's Novorossiysk Port on the Black Sea. The bulk carrier, operating under the name Hızır Reis, was identified as flying the Tuvalu flag.

According to Equasis fleet records, the ship is owned by the Turkish shipping company Emiroğlu Deniz Nakliyatı. It was reported that the vessel was operated under the name 'Isolda' until October 2024, after which it was included in the Polsteam fleet.

In a statement made by the Guardia di Finanza, it was noted that the ship was seized due to irregularities identified in its records, and the following was stated:

'Subsequent checks revealed serious inconsistencies, alterations, and modifications in the onboard documents regarding stopover points and loading operations.'

Authorities reported that the investigation is ongoing and that examinations regarding whether EU sanctions have been violated are being deepened.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye