Abandoned Russian Tanker Heads to Scrap After Years in Port

Vessel deemed a security risk departs Gdynia.

The Russian oil tanker Khatanga, once a fixture in the Polish port of Gdynia, has set sail for a dismantling yard in Denmark. This follows its extended stay and classification as a potential hazard after a series of incidents.

Departure After Security Concerns

The vessel, which had been docked in Gdynia since 2017, was ultimately removed from the port. This action came after the Military Counterintelligence Service and the Internal Security Agency expressed interest in occurrences involving the ship.

The ship was involved in incidents in December 2024 and January 2025. The shipowner, the Murmansk Shipping Company, declared bankruptcy in 2020, and the port authorities had estimated their losses to be around 15 million Polish zloty. This led them to pursue reimbursement from the Russian shipowner.

“We said that we would remove Khatanga and this happened. For us, the safety of navigation, and thus the safety of such strategic infrastructure, as the ports are a priority,” wrote the deputy minister of infrastructure, a MP of the Civic Coalition.

— Deputy Minister of Infrastructure

According to data from the International Maritime Organization, the scrapping of ships has increased by 15% in the last year due to safety regulations and financial constraints (IMO 2024).

Timeline and Details

The Khatanga, stretching over 150 meters, was designed for transporting oil. It was initially detained in 2017 because of unsatisfactory technical inspections. The Murmansk Shipping Company’s bankruptcy then prevented resolution.

The move signifies the conclusion of a lengthy legal process and the resolution of a security concern, highlighting the complexities of international shipping and the enforcement of maritime regulations.