Russian cargo ship arrested in Italy, suspect in 1.3 mil eu freight fraud

General cargo ship YEKATERINA was arrested in Oristano port, Sardinia, Italy, on Nov 5, on arrival from Rostov, Russia. The ship, as it transpired was on the “Wanted” list during several months already, after her owner or manager was found guilty of being paid freight in advance, but failing to pick up cargo and deliver it. The ship was to load cargo in Singapore last year, understood during her maiden run from China where she was built, to Med/Black sea region, her future trade area. The company which took 1,252 mil euro credit for goods transportation, is identified by Italian authorities as Virtual Shiptrade Company, registered in the Marshall Islands.
The ship, initially, was ordered by the biggest Russian foods manufacturer, ASTON.

General Cargo YEKATERINA is currently located at WMED – West Mediterranean at position 39° 51′ 48.708″ N, 8° 33′ 14.414″ E as reported by MarineTraffic Terrestrial Automatic Identification System on 2021-11-06 16:41 UTC (4 minutes ago) Marine Traffic reported

Added the report: The wind in this area at that time blows from Northeast direction at force 2 Beaufort

The vessel is currently at port ORISTANO, IT after a voyage of 13 days, 12 hours originating from port ROSTOV-ON-DON, RU.

 

YEKATERINA (IMO: 9874791) is a General Cargo that was built in 2020 (1 year ago) and is sailing under the flag of Russia.

Its carrying capacity is 7867 t DWT and her current draught is reported to be 4.4 meters. Her length overall (LOA) is 140 meters and her width is 17 meters.

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