Since 2017, the Khatanga, a Russian-registered product tanker, has been abandoned in the Port of Gdynia, raising new security and safety concerns among Polish authorities. The vessel’s deteriorating condition and lack of maintenance have prompted investigations, especially in light of recent events involving another tanker, the Eagle S, which was found to be carrying Russian spying equipment.
The Khatanga has been docked in Gdynia since 2017 after failing a Port State inspection.
The vessel is owned by the bankrupt Murmansk Shipping Company, which has lost interest in the ship.
Recent winter storms have caused the tanker to break free from its moorings, raising alarms about potential hazards.
Polish authorities are considering legal action to seize the vessel due to unpaid port fees.
Safety concerns include the risk of explosive gases building up in the oil tanks.
Background of the Khatanga
The Khatanga, with a deadweight tonnage of 23,000, was detained in October 2017 following a failed inspection that revealed structural issues and crew competency concerns. Since then, it has remained in Gdynia, with the Murmansk Shipping Company declaring bankruptcy in 2020, leaving the vessel in limbo.
Poland’s Military Counterintelligence Service (SKW) and the Internal Security Agency (ABW) are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the Khatanga. The Special Services Committee in the Polish Parliament has also expressed interest in the case, highlighting the potential security implications of the abandoned vessel.
Safety Concerns
The Gdynia Seaport Authority has reported that the Khatanga poses safety risks due to the oil tanks not being degassed, which could lead to the accumulation of explosive gases. Additionally, the vessel has been left unattended, with no crew on board, raising alarms about its stability and potential hazards to nearby vessels and the port itself.
Legal Actions and Future Prospects
In response to the situation, the Gdynia Seaport Authority is exploring legal avenues to resolve the issue, including the possibility of seizing the Khatanga for unpaid port fees. Under Polish law, authorities have faced challenges in inspecting the ship, complicating efforts to address the safety concerns.
Strategic Importance of the Port
The Port of Gdynia holds strategic significance for Poland, serving as a key location for the Polish Navy and NATO operations. The recent discovery of espionage equipment on another vessel, the Eagle S, has intensified scrutiny on the Khatanga, with authorities questioning what might be aboard the abandoned tanker.
With the Khatanga stuck in the Port of Gdynia, Polish authorities face pressure to act. Safety concerns, legal issues, and the vessel’s possible national security risks make this situation urgent. Brokers have listed the Khatanga for sale, but its future is unclear as investigations proceed.
Sources
Russian Tanker Abandoned in Poland Draws Renewed Interest, The Maritime Executive.
