Introduction

A surprising twist in maritime affairs as a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), reportedly scrapped three years ago, seems to have mysteriously re-emerged in the waters of China, raising eyebrows in the shipping industry.

The Resurrection of EM Longevity

The vessel, initially known as the 337,000-dwt EM Longevity, was built in 2000 and had been documented as “dead” in shipping databases since December 2021. However, the latest shipping data, meticulously analyzed by Bloomberg, reveals that this ghost ship has been sighted sailing past Iran before arriving in China laden with a fresh cargo of crude oil.

Questions About Identity

What appears to be an audacious case of maritime resurrection has sparked questions regarding the authenticity of the vessel’s identity. Is the ship truly the EM Longevity, or is it a clever imposter using the same name and IMO number to evade scrutiny?

Implications for the VLCC Market

The VLCC market has seen various challenges over the past few years, including regulatory changes and environmental concerns, leading to an uptick in the scrapping of older vessels. Yet, the sighting of a supposedly defunct ship raises significant questions about the integrity of shipping data and the operations of scrap yards.

Expert Insights

Maritime experts suggest this incident could reflect broader themes in shipping, including the potential laundering of vessels. The industry has faced scrutiny over reflagging and the use of older ships to bypass regulations and sanctions.

Conclusion

As the story unfolds, industry insiders and analysts will be keeping a close eye on the movements of this enigmatic VLCC. What other surprises lie dormant in the depths of international waters? Stay tuned for updates!