Tanker Unity Detained in Murmansk Over Crew Wage Dispute

The oil tanker Unity has been detained at the port of Murmansk, Russia, after port authorities flagged a series of serious issues, including unpaid wages, an expired Inmarsat satellite number, and irregularities in vessel documentation. Authorities have barred the tanker from departing until these problems are resolved.

The inspection was carried out after the Seafarers’ Union of Russia (SUR) submitted a request. State inspectors boarded the vessel, interviewed crew members, and uncovered multiple violations that led to the detention order.

As of August 13, unpaid wages for the crew totaled approximately $90,000. Sailors reported that June salaries were only received on July 27, while payments for subsequent months remain outstanding. Some former crew members have also yet to receive their final settlements.

Investigations revealed that seafarers were contracted through different companies. While some had agreements with Argo Tanker Group LLC—an entity not legally registered as the vessel’s owner—others signed with FMTC ShipCharter LLC. A number of contracts also cited a supposed collective agreement with SUR, which the union has since confirmed does not exist.

The ship additionally changed its flag state before current contracts expired. Registration with its former flag, The Gambia, lapsed on August 5, invalidating its insurance coverage. The vessel has since re-registered in Lesotho. Crew members expressed concern that if the shipowner fails to honor their contracts, they may not be able to claim P&I insurance protection, given the change in flag status.

These complications—combined with the unclear ownership structure, expired documentation, unpaid wages, and non-functioning satellite communication—resulted in the tanker’s detention.

Further adding to the controversy, Unity is part of the shadow tanker fleet, operated by Argo Tanker Group LLC, a company under U.S. and Ukrainian sanctions. Since its launch in 2009, the vessel has undergone multiple name and flag changes to evade scrutiny.