Thursday, 29th October 2009 - 19:38CET

'Arctic Sea' arrives

Video: Mark Zammit Cordina.

The Maltese registered MV Arctic Sea arrived in Grand Harbour this evening at the end of a saga which began when it was reportedly hijacked in the Baltic Sea in July.

The freighter was recovered by Russian forces off the Cape Verde Islands in August and had been under Russian Navy control until it was handed over to its Finnish owners off Malta this afternoon.

Mystery has surrounded the Russian-crewed ship, with international media saying it might have been carrying radioactive material or weapons. Both Russia and the Finnish owners denied the reports, insisting it is only carrying timber.

The ship was towed into Grand Harbour by a Maltese tug because it has steering problems. It also requires repairs to its communications equipment.

The Malta Maritime Authority this afternoon said its inspectors had confirmed the ship is not carrying any dangerous cargo.

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Comments

Raymond Sammut (on 31/10/09)

@ J Martinelli -- What do you mean by "good profit"? In the proper conduct of business, in fact, "profit" per se does not exist let alone "good profit". Profit is to be measured against loss in the Profit & Loss statement of the entity that provides the services. These services will be rendered by a suitable provider and a Tax Invoice issued and duly entered into the ledger. And why the Arctic Sea would not be allowed to depart the Grand Harbour when this ship is already registered in Valletta?

To everyone who have been posting negative comments please be reminded that there are no indications that the Russian owner has not been meeting his obligations. We also do not know whether he holds dual citizenship with Finland like many Russians do. His company is operated from an office in Finland and has been the victim of a very serious crime and of slurring from the western media for no apparent reason whatsoever.

J Martinelli (on 30/10/09)

I hope, this time, the Shipyard is paid by the Russian/Finnish owners!!!

The ship should not be allowed to leave port until payment is confirmed and just for a change, let's make a good profit on the completed jobs, for all the trouble!

juan kuvajala (on 30/10/09)

Owners of that company are from Russia! The company is only registred in Finland (EU)

Raymond Sammut (on 30/10/09)

It is good to see this ship finally in a safe port. Surely it's a great relief for the crew and their families. They deserve praise and admiration from the authorities for having conducted themselves in a professional way in accordance with Maritime law under extreme conditions at sea. Hopefully they can be relieved soon and be safely with their families at home.