The inherent risks of the maritime industry were brought into sharp focus this week as the TAI ZE XING 319, a Panama-flagged bulk carrier, found itself incapacitated in the volatile waters of the Sea of Japan. Between February 9 and February 12, 2026, the vessel became the subject of a high-stakes rescue operation after suffering a total loss of propulsion in neutral waters.+1

The Incident: Drift and Distress

On February 9, 2026, the TAI ZE XING 319 reported a complete failure of its propulsion systems. At the time of the incident, the 147-meter vessel was transiting international waters en route from Nakhodka, Russia, to Cai Lan, Vietnam.+1

The loss of engine power left the handysize bulker—and its deadweight capacity of nearly 16,000 tonnes—at the mercy of the Sea of Japan’s unpredictable currents and winter weather. Without the ability to manoeuvre or maintain steerage, the vessel posed a potential navigational hazard to one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

Table 1: Vessel Specifications – TAI ZE XING 319

The Rescue: Four Days on the Line

Upon receiving the distress notification, the Primorsky branch of the Marine Rescue Service (Morspassluzhba) mobilized the search and rescue tug Lazurit. The mission was clear: secure the disabled giant and tow it to the nearest port of refuge to prevent any environmental or safety escalation.

Chronology of the Operation

• February 9: The Lazurit was dispatched to the vessel’s last known coordinates in neutral waters.
• February 10-11: Towing commenced under challenging conditions. The tug ensured the bulker’s stability as they navigated toward the Russian coast.
• February 12: The operation concluded successfully as the TAI ZE XING 319 was safely berthed at the Port of Vladivostok.

“The vessel was completely unable to continue under its own power. The Lazurit ensured safe passage through international and territorial waters, delivering the bulker to port without injury to crew or damage to the environment.” — Morspassluzhba Official Statement.+1

Technical Insights: Propulsion Failure and Port State Control

Total propulsion loss is a critical failure that often triggers immediate inspections by maritime authorities. As the TAI ZE XING 319 undergoes repairs in Vladivostok, technical teams will likely investigate whether the failure was due to mechanical wear (the vessel is now 18 years old) or contaminated fuel—a growing concern in 2026 maritime operations.

Data Table 2: Recent Performance & Inspection History

The successful towing of the TAI ZE XING 319 serves as a reminder of the vital role played by regional rescue services. Without the swift intervention of the Lazurit, a disabled vessel of this size in the Sea of Japan could have easily transitioned from a mechanical nuisance to a maritime catastrophe.

Sources

• IAA PortNews: “Morspassluzhba provides emergency towing to a disabled bulk carrier” (Feb 12, 2026).
• Trusteddocks.com: “Bulk Carrier Loses Power in Neutral Waters, Safely Berthed” (Feb 12, 2026).
• Maritime Optima: “Vessel Tracking and Historical AIS Data: TAI ZE XING 319” (2026).
• Marine Rescue Service (Russia): “Official Bulletin on Search and Rescue Operation Lazurit/TAI ZE XING 319.”