Poland Orders Removal of Derelict Russian Tanker from Port of Gdynia

The Polish Ministry of Infrastructure reports that an order was issued for the removal of a derelict Russian product tanker that has been in the Port of Gdynia for more than seven years. The story of the Khatanga (23,000 dwt) has drawn new attention with the increased concerns of Russian-related espionage in addition to the safety issues for a vessel that has not been operated or maintained for years.

Arkadiusz Marchewka, Poland’s State Secretary and Ministry of Infrastructure, announced the order in a posting on social media on Thursday, February 6. “We are removing Russian scrap from our port. The state acts and ensures the safety of Polish infrastructure,” he wrote announcing the decision of the Ministry.

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