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‘Tavian’ Tied to Sanctions-Dodging Shadow Fleet After Baltic Sighting, Investigators Say

Research indicates aging tankers are being reissued new IMO identities, creating safety risks and prompting regulators to weigh potential action.

Overview

  • Regional reports say the tanker passed Fehmarn on December 10 escorted by two Russian destroyers with about 100,000 tonnes of crude loaded in Primorsk.
  • Lloyd’s List identifies the ship as the 1998-built Nordmark reappearing under the new name Tavian, citing photo matches of its hull and superstructure.
  • The vessel is reported to have received a new IMO number in China and to be the thirteenth name used for the same hull, with sister ship Tia disappearing from registers in September.
  • The ship is now reported to be at anchor off Turkey, and authorities have not been able to board it to verify its identity.
  • Germany’s transport safety body warns that confirmed identity fraud would be a clear safety deficiency that could lead to detention, as Lloyd’s List counts roughly a dozen similar re-identified ships.