KHATANGA

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End of a ghost ship

The story of the 'Khatanga' is coming to an end in Esbjerg, where Smedegaarden A/S will soon start scrapping the tanker, which arrived on June 26 after having been detained in the port of Gdynia since Oct 2017 after a failed inspection. The authorities found both serious structural problems and raised doubts about the training and skills of the crew. The owner, the Russian Murmansk Shipping Company, promised repairs, but instead ended up filing for bankruptcy in 2020. In Jan 2025, the Polish radio station Radio ZET reported that the country's military counterintelligence service (SKW) and the internal security service (ABW) were investigating the circumstances surrounding the abandoned Russian tanker. Security was also an issue. Twice during the winter, the 'Khatanga' broke its moorings, first on Dec 15, 2024, and again on Jan 12, 2025, underlining the risk of leaving the ship in port. After a long tug of war, the necessary approvals were obtained, and on June 19, the ''Khatanga' finally left Gdynia, heading for Esbjerg. Before its departure, the tanker was emptied of oil and chemicals, and the hull was welded.

arrived Esbjerg Breakers

arrived Esbjerg Breakers 28.06.25

Derelict tanker enroute to breakers in Esbjerg

After eight years, the Russian 'Khatanga' has been removed from the port of Gdynia. The ship is to be scrapped at recycling yard. in Esbjerg. The reason for the measure was the years-long blockade of a berth and the threat to shipping. The 'Khatanga' was declared a maritime safety risk after it broke free from its moorings twice within two months. The removal of the ship was announced by the Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak on June 19. The port of Gdynia had suffered significant economic losses due to the tanker's layover. The Polish port authority estimates the compensation for the years of layover at around 13 million zloty (approximately 3 million euros). The authorities announced that they will claim the costs from the Russian owner. The ship had no crew and did not meet safety standards. The Deputy Infrastructure Minister Arkadiusz Marchewka also criticized the years of inaction by previous officials. The towing operation was carried out under difficult weather conditions. Three port tugs and one deep-sea tug were deployed. The 'Khatanga' is scheduled to arrive at Esbjerg on June 24. There is no certified facility in Poland for scrapping ships of this size. The tanker had been moored in the port since 2017 after failing a technical inspection. Repairs and departure were initially planned, but never materialized. In 2020, the Russian shipping company Murmansk Shipping Company filed for bankruptcy. Since then, the 'Khatanga' has been in the port without a legally clear ownership status. Report with photos: https://www.polskieradio.pl/400/7764/Artykul/3540106,Russischer-Tanker-nach-acht-Jahren-aus-Hafen-Gdynia-entfernt