Sanctioned Shadow Fleet Oil Tanker Qendil Grounds Near Turkey in the Aegean Sea
A sanctioned shadow fleet oil tanker has run aground in the Aegean Sea near Turkey, highlighting ongoing safety and compliance risks linked to Russia-related oil transportation. According to NextShip, the oil tanker Qendil, previously damaged in a Ukrainian drone attack, grounded close to the island of Bozcaada and prompted an emergency response by Turkish authorities.
Turkey’s maritime safety agency KEGM confirmed that the 250-meter tanker was sailing from Aliaga to Yalova when it drifted onto rocks off Bozcaada (Tenedos), near the southern entrance to the Dardanelles. The island lies in a sensitive maritime zone with dense traffic and strong seasonal winds.
AIS data from Pole Star indicates that Qendil had been anchored southwest of the island since December 30 in suitable depths. The vessel remained stable until the morning of January 4, when it broke free from anchorage and moved downwind for reasons that remain under investigation.
The tanker reached speeds of up to four knots before grounding roughly 100 meters from shore. Video footage shows heavy seas and strong onshore winds affecting the vessel’s maneuverability.
KEGM dispatched two tugs, Kurtarma-10 and Kurtarma-16, to the site. Authorities reported no injuries or pollution. The ship was operating in ballast condition, significantly limiting environmental impact.
Built in 2006, Qendil (IMO 9310525) is a 115,000-dwt oil tanker currently flagged in Oman. Ownership traces back to India, with technical management handled by a Chinese company. The vessel previously sailed under several names, including Spark and Oilstar.
Qendil’s operational history reflects typical shadow fleet patterns. The tanker has not undergone Port State Control inspection for three years, during which time it changed owners multiple times and reflagged under six registries. AIS records show repeated calls at St. Petersburg, Vadinar, and Mangaluru, ports associated with the movement of discounted Russian crude.
According to OpenSanctions, Qendil previously operated within fleets managed by Oceanix Management FZE and Gatik Ship Management. The vessel is sanctioned by Canada, Australia, Switzerland and New Zealand. Ukraine has also sanctioned both the tanker and her master, Russian national Andrei Chumakov, and confirmed that Ukrainian drones struck the vessel in mid-December.
