Sanctioned Tanker’s Cargo Linked to Kulevi Port Raises Concerns
In recent days, investigative journalism association iFact has been tracking a tanker vessel, NEPHIRA, which arrived at the port of Kulevi in Georgia. The cargo delivered by the vessel is linked to a sanctioned tanker, BOLTARIS, and raises concerns about potential illegal activities.
The NEPHIRA‘s arrival at the port follows a five-day wait, during which time authorities would have been expected to verify its history and the origin of its cargo. This is particularly noteworthy given that the port of Kulevi and the ruling “Georgian Dream” party authorities had previously promised their European partners that they would not accept suspicious cargo delivered by dubious vessels.
Vessel’s History Raises Questions
The NEPHIRA, built in 2009, has a history of involvement in ship-to-ship oil transfer operations. Prior to its current name and flag, the vessel was known as ISE PRINCESS and sailed under the Liberian flag until July 2025. The vessel’s owner and management companies are Greek-based ELLI SHIPTRADE LTD and STAR MARINE MANAGEMENT INC.
The NEPHIRA has been insured by the Norwegian company Assuranceforeningen Gard since April 2026. However, information about the owners of the companies associated with the vessel is unavailable.
Sanctioned Tanker’s Activities Under Scrutiny
The BOLTARIS, under strict international sanctions, was involved in illegal activities, including ship-to-ship oil transfer operations. In September 2024, it transferred cargo to tankers OSTRIA and SKIRON. The vessel has changed its name six times and flag ten times during its operation.
The owner and commercial operator of the BOLTARIS is TRIDENT SERENITY LTD, a company registered in the Seychelles. The vessel’s safety management is carried out by MARITIME MAVEN MANAGEMENT LTD, registered in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai). Information regarding the vessel’s insurance is absent from official databases.
Authorities’ Response Unclear
As of now, it remains unclear what methods Georgian authorities used to inspect the NEPHIRA and verify its cargo. The article states that the vessel received petroleum products through illegal means – via ship-to-ship transfer on the high seas, in Russian-controlled waters, from a vessel under strict international sanctions.
The exact recipient of this cargo is also unknown. However, it has been confirmed that the NEPHIRA delivered about 30,000 tons of Russian petroleum products to the port of Kulevi.
Vessels Mentioned
- BOLTARIS (IMO: 9251456)
Original Article: iFact: Cargo linked to sanctioned tanker arrives at Kulevi port — Sovanews