ICARO

General information

Course/Position

Latest news

Tanker took over crude of Nabarima

On Jan 17, 2021, the 'Icrao' has lightered about half of the 1.3 million barrels cruide oil from the Venezuela-flagged FSO 'Nabarima'(IMO: 9316567) off Guiria, Sucre, which had developed a list of 27 degrees in October after two years of neglection due to US sanction against Venezuela. The US State Department declared not to intervene in lighter operations. The Italian oil company Eni, which has a share of 26 % in the Petrosucre-Joint Venture with the PDVSA, Venezuelas state owned oil company, prepared the operation. Also the PDVSA became active and called the sanctioned 'Icaro' to the site. On Dec 15 the transfer of 570,000 barrels crude commenced with the barge 'Inmaculada'. On Jan 17 the 'Icaro' was fully loaded. As of Jan 21 she was moored off Guiria in position 10° 31.03' N 062° 14.14' W.

Crew not paid since six months

The crew of the 'Icaró' has been six months without salary. Some members complained inhumane conditions due to the lack of income but feared retaliation if they made a formal complaint. The tanker has been at anchor in Puerto La Cruz for several months in a critical situation. The Blue Oceanic Service company has been in charge of paying the payroll for a few years and has worked hand in hand with the state-owned Petroleos de Venezuela. The men continued working in normal conditions to maintain the operation of the ship, but they assured that it was already very complicated for them. They have made an appeal to international organizations, but in the midst of the pandemic and due to the global economic situation, they have not paid attention to them either. The seafarers feared being harassed and, for this reason, they adhered to rule A5.15-3 of the World Maritime Labor Convention of 2006, which deals with this type of action against the crew. They assured that the only thing they needed is to collect their salaries.