Sanctioned Russian Merchant Vessels Are Underway

The military cargo convoy of sanctioned Russian-flagged vessels which had been observed forming up in the Russian port of Baltiysk in the Kaliningrad has set sail. It formed into two separate packets, likely one headed for the Mediterranean and the other for West Africa.

Two ships, the Ascalon (IMO 9198226) and Anastasiia (IMO 9349291) set off together on October 31. Sailing in company, the ships passed through the Langeland Belt, escorted first by the German Coastguard vessel Bamburg (IMO 9830020) and the Danish Coastguard vessel Merkur (MMSI 219167000), and then by the Danish naval patrol vessel HDMS Rota (P525). On November 6, the two vessels were making their way through the English Channel, with no surface naval escort visible, and appear to be heading southwest.

Meanwhile, the Lady R (IMO 9161003) and the Lady D (IMO 9349289) set off together from Baltiysk on November 5, and early on November 6 were between Rügen and Bornholm, heading west and being escorted by the Danish naval patrol vessel HDMS Najaden (P523). The Sparta (IMO 9268710) appears to be engaged separately on a regular resupply run between Baltiysk and St. Petersburg.

All four of the ships travelling to warmer waters are moving with their AIS systems activated.

This story was originally published by The Maritime Executive. Read the full story at The Maritime Executive →