The Bulgarian shipping enterprise Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare), which oversees the 2016-built handysize bulk carrier MV Ruen with a deadweight of 41K and a crew of 17, recently witnessed the vessel’s liberation from Somali pirates, thanks to the intervention of Indian naval forces over the past weekend. The operation culminated on Saturday with the navy reporting that special commandos aboard the warship INS Kolkata had successfully negotiated the surrender of 35 Somali pirates, facilitating the safe recovery of the crew aboard the Maltese-flagged MV Ruen, all unharmed. The seizure of the MV Ruen off the coast of Somalia in December 2023 was a significant event, being the first vessel hijacked by Somali pirates since 2017. This incident occurred in the wake of the abduction of the Bangladeshi bulk carrier MV Abdullah and its 23 crew members by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean earlier in March. The MV Ruen, managed by Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare), was recovered 93 days after its hijacking. It was speculated to have been utilized as a base for the pirates in their subsequent hijacking of a vessel owned by SR Shipping, part of Kabir Group. The naval operation to recover the MV Ruen unfolded over roughly 40 hours, starting on Friday when the Indian Navy intercepted the vessel, demanding the pirates’ surrender and the release of the ship and its crew. The pirates retaliated by firing on the Indian warship in international waters. Earlier in the year, the Indian Navy had also successfully rescued two Iranian-flagged fishing vessels off the coast of Somalia and prevented a pirate attack on the Liberian-flagged capesize bulk carrier MV Lila Norfolk in the North Arabian Sea. More than 20 ship hijackings or attempted hijackings have been reported in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin since November 2023. Up to the last update on Friday, no ransom demands had been made by the pirates who had hijacked the MV Abdullah, managed by the Bangladeshi shipping company SR Shipping, which is now anchored near Godob Jiraan, Somalia. Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) stands as Bulgaria’s premier maritime transport company, boasting a rich history that dates back over a century. With a diversified fleet that spans various classes and sizes of bulk carriers, Navibulgar plays a pivotal role in global maritime logistics, specializing in the transport of dry bulk commodities. The company’s strategic focus on fleet modernization and environmental sustainability reflects its commitment to aligning its operations with international maritime regulations and standards. Through its adept management and operational excellence, Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) continues to reinforce its position as a leading player in the maritime industry, contributing significantly to Bulgaria’s maritime heritage and global trade. 23-March-2024
India has committed to prosecuting 35 suspected Somali pirates following the liberation of the Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) managed 41K DWT 2016-built handysize bulk carrier MV Ruen by the Indian navy over the weekend. An official from the navy disclosed that the assailants were expected to arrive in India by Saturday, marking a shift from past practices where captured vessels and crews were released, but pirates, once disarmed, were left at sea. These individuals will be transferred to legal authorities, though the specific charges against them are yet to be determined. Indian special forces successfully boarded the MV Ruen, managed by Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare), rescuing 17 crew members and detaining the pirates onboard. The MV Ruen had been commandeered in December 2023, approximately 450 miles east of Socotra in the Arabian Sea, representing the first merchant vessel hijacking by Somali pirates since 2017. At the time of the hijacking, the MV Ruen had a crew comprising individuals from Bulgaria, Myanmar, and Angola, totaling 18 seafarers. A senior officer who was injured during the capture was released shortly thereafter. The prosecution of the MV Ruen’s pirates will be India’s first in several years, according to the navy official. The MV Ruen, a handysize bulk carrier managed by Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare), was observed departing the Somali coast on 14 March 2024. 20-March-2024
A Liberian-flagged bulk carrier has reported a potential piracy threat near Oman. This suspicious event unfolded 164 miles south of Salalah on Wednesday morning, placing the ship within potential attack range from Somali and Yemeni pirates. Ambrey Analytics reports that a small vessel with seven occupants made a close approach to the unidentifed ship, coming within 0.3 miles. Ladders were seen on the approaching craft, though no weapons were visible. The bulk carrier took evasive action and sped up in response to the potential danger. This small craft continued to follow the bulk carrier for around 20 minutes before the larger ship’s armed guards fired a warning shot, causing the smaller boat to withdraw. The carrier, journeying from Ust-Luga, Russia, to Dhamra, India, boasted an estimated 9.9-meter freeboard during the incident. In light of the recent spike in Somali piracy incidents, Ambrey has urged all merchant vessels to maintain vigilance. In a related development, SR Shipping, a subsidiary of Bangladesh’s KSRM Group, has received no communication from the Somali pirates who hijacked its 58K DWT supramax bulk carrier, MV Abdullah, in the Indian Ocean last Tuesday. The MV Abdullah, with 23 Bangladeshi crew members onboard, is currently being moved toward the Somali coast without any demands having been made by the hijackers. Furthermore, this weekend saw the Indian Navy successfully intervene against pirates by rescuing all 17 crew members of the hijacked Bulgarian ship MV Ruen, managed by Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare). The operation led to the surrender of all 35 pirates aboard the MV Ruen by the naval warship INS Kolkata. 19-March-2024
Bulgarian shipowner and operator Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) is currently facing two critical situations involving its vessels. The company has offered its full support in the investigation of a significant drug haul discovered on one of its ships, the Malta-flagged bulk carrier MV Verila, by Irish authorities. The 2022-built, 32K DWT handysize bulk carrier was found with a substantial quantity of drugs on board earlier this week in Ireland. In a rare public statement, Bulgarian shipowner and operator Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) has firmly denied any involvement or connection with the drug load found on the MV Verila. Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) emphasized that drug trafficking aboard its vessel would be a severe crime and a blatant violation of its values, internal rules, policies, and procedures. Concurrently, Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) is dealing with a separate and equally pressing issue regarding another of its vessels, which is believed to be held captive in Africa, possibly by resurgent Somali pirates. In contrast to their open response to the drug incident, Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) has maintained strict silence about this situation. These two concurrent crises – the drug investigation in Ireland and the possible piracy situation in Africa – represent significant challenges for Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare), testing the company’s crisis management and operational integrity. Navibulgar’s (Navigation Maritime Bulgare)response and cooperation with the authorities in the Irish drug investigation are critical, as is its handling of the potential piracy situation, reflecting the complex and multifaceted risks faced by global shipping operators. 23-December-2023
Irish authorities recently discovered a significant drug haul on a Malta-flagged bulk carrier, the MV Verila, controlled by Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare), a Bulgarian shipowner and operator. The vessel, a 32K DWT bulker built in 2022, was found with 300 kilograms of cocaine in its cargo department while docked at the port of Foynes. This shipment, which had arrived from Montreal, Canada, with a grain cargo, contained cocaine estimated to have a street value of at least $23 million. The cocaine was ingeniously concealed with a buoyancy aid and a GPS locator beacon, indicating that it was likely intended to be thrown overboard at a designated location. As the investigation proceeds, the crew of the MV Verila is currently undergoing interviews by the police, though no arrests have been made so far. This incident comes amid another challenging situation for Navibulgar, as they are concurrently dealing with the reported hijacking of another of their vessels, the 41K DWT MV Ruen (built in 2016), by Somali pirates earlier this week. The MV Verila had departed from Canada on December 9, 2023, and arrived in Foynes on the following Thursday morning. The discovery of such a large quantity of cocaine in the cargo area raises significant concerns and underscores the ongoing challenges faced by shipping companies in combating illegal activities at sea. 22-December-2023
In the past 24 hours, the Red Sea has witnessed increased maritime security threats, with two container ships attacked and one bulk carrier boarded. This escalation mirrors the violence observed during the peak of the Somali piracy crisis over a decade ago. In response to the deteriorating situation, the United States is expected to announce the formation of a special multinational task force to protect merchant shipping in the Red Sea. A significant incident involved the Hapag-Lloyd container ship MV Al Jasrah, which was hit by an aerial projectile while navigating the Bab Al Mandab Strait. The projectile struck the port side of the 14,500 TEU vessel, causing a container to fall overboard and a fire on deck. Shortly before this incident, the 11,500 TEU MV MSC Alanya had to perform evasive maneuvers near Yemeni waters. Another close incident was reported with the MV Maersk Gibraltar, a 10,000 TEU container ship. It narrowly escaped a missile attack near Yemen, marking one of several aggressive actions by the Houthi forces against merchant vessels in the region over the past month. Additionally, the MV Ruen, a 41K DWT bulk carrier owned by Bulgarian shipowner and operator Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare), was boarded in an attack reminiscent of Somali pirate tactics. The crew retreated to the ship’s citadel and are currently safe, but the situation remains unresolved. Somali pirates have recently escalated their activities, targeting smaller ships with the intent of hijacking larger vessels and potentially holding crew for ransom. Moreover, Houthi forces have been actively targeting ships through VHF Channel 16, directing them towards Yemeni waters. These increasing attacks could lead to changes in trade routes, a rise in the formation of convoys for protection, and potentially higher insurance premiums for maritime operators. 15-December-2023
Bulgarian shipowner and operator Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) ordered four (4) handysize lakes-fitted bulk carrier newbuildings at Yangzijiang Shipbuilding. Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) will take the four (4) 32K DWT handysize lakes-fitted bulk carrier newbuildings in 2024. The latest Navibulgar’s (Navigation Maritime Bulgare’s) four (4) handysize lakes-fitted bulk carrier newbuildings order is part of the company’s fleet expansion and renewal programme. Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) plans to own a fleet of 1.5 million tonnes with an average age below seven years by 2025. Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) wants to be one of the leading lakes-fitted handysize bulk shipowners in Europe. Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) will pay around $32 million for each handysize lakes-fitted bulk carrier newbuildings. Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) ordered four (4) handysize lakes-fitted bulk carrier newbuildings according to the EEDI (Energy Efficiency Design Index) Phase 3 standards for greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the current International Maritime Organization’s Tier III NOx standards. With the latest order, the total number of handysize lakes-fitted bulk carrier newbuildings that Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) has ordered at Yangzijiang Shipbuilding increased to twelve (12). Previously, in 2020, Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) ordered eight (8) handysize lakes-fitted bulk carrier newbuildings at Yangzijiang Shipbuilding for around $25 million for each. Up to now, Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) has received five (5) of those eight (8) handysize lakes-fitted bulk carrier newbuildings. Furthermore, Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) ordered four (4) 45K DWT handymax bulk carrier newbuildings at Yangzijiang Shipbuilding for around $33 million each. Since 2017, Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) ordered a total of twenty-two (22) bulk carrier newbuildings at Yangzijiang Shipbuilding. Currently, Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) owns and operates 32 bulk carriers. 9-August-2022
Bulgarian shipowner and operator Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) ordered four (4) 45K DWT handymax bulk carrier newbuildings at Yangzijiang Shipbuilding for around $33 million each. Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) is going to take delivery of handymax bulk carrier newbuildings in 2024. Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) ordered four (4) handymax bulk carrier newbuildings according to IMO (International Maritime Organization) Phase 3 standards of the EEDI (Energy Efficiency Design Index). Previously, Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) ordered six (6) 31K DWT lakes-fitted bulk carrier newbuildings construction at Yangzijiang Shipbuilding. Varna-based Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) concentrates on bulk carriers up to handymax size. Currently, Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) owns and operates 30 bulk carriers. 30-October-2021
Bulgarian shipowner and operator Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) exercised options for two (2) more Great Lakes-fitted handy bulk carrier new-buildings at Yangzijiang Shipbuilding. Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) ordered a total of eight (8) Great Lakes-fitted bulk carrier new-buildings for around $200 million. Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) is paying around $24 million each for 31K DWT Great Lakes-fitted handy bulk carrier new-buildings. Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) is going to take delivery of all 31K DWT Great Lakes-fitted handy bulk carrier new-buildings till Q4 2023. Currently, Bulgarian shipowner and operator Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) owns and operates around 30 handy bulk carriers. 20-April-2021
Bulgarian shipowner and operator Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) ordered six (6) Great Lakes-fitted handy bulk carrier new-buildings at Yangzijiang Shipbuilding. Furthermore, Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) has two (2) options for Great Lakes-fitted handy bulk carrier new-buildings. Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) is going into the US Great Lakes trades with 31K DWT Great Lakes-fitted handy bulk carrier new-buildings. Yangzijiang Shipbuilding has added recently added Great Lakes-fitted handy bulk carrier new-buildings to the dry bulk carrier portfolio. Previously, Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) ordered six (6) handymax bulk carriers at Yangzijiang Shipbuilding. 25-October-2019
Bulgarian shipowner and operator Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) nominated Chinese shipyard Yangzijiang Group for 6 newbuilding handymax bulk carriers. 45K DWT 6 handymax bulk carriers are based on Bluetech 42 model by Bluetech. Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) new handymax bulk carriers are building according to ice class of 1C standards and reinforced hull in order to steam in icy regions Baltic Sea, Azov Sea, and Canada. The first handymax bulk carrier will be delivered to Navibulgar Q2 2019. Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) will be Europe’s largest handysize shipowner with more than 1.5 million DWT fleet. 6-October-2017
Bulgarian shipowner and ship operator Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) has finalized the acquisition of four (4) bulk carriers from ABC Maritime. Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) confirmed the purchase of 2012 built handy bulk carrier 36K DWT M/V Chumerna (ex M/V Adfines South). Bulgarian shipowner and ship operator Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) is paying $8 million for each of M/V Adfines North, M/V Adfines East, M/V Adfines West and M/V Adfines South. 6-February-2017
Bulgarian shipowner and operator Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) bought 4 handysize sisterships. Bulgarian shipowner and operator Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) continues to expand the fleet and paying $8 million for each ship. Chinese 2012 built handy bulk dry carriers 36K DWT:
- M/V Adfines North
- M/V Adfines East
- M/V Adfines West
- M/V Adfines South
are bought from Swiss ABC Maritime. Bulgarian shipowner and operator Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) handy handymax dry bulk carrier fleet of 73 ships were built between 1992 and 2012. Bulgarian shipowner and operator Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) founded in 1892 was privatized in 2008. 25-November-2016
Bulgarian Shipowner and Operator Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) expanding fleet. Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) bought 2010 Chinese built 37K DWT M/V Cyan Phoenix $7.2 million. In May 2016, Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) bought 2012 built 32K DWT M/V Slavyanka (ex M/V Cabot Aviva) for $6.2 million. Currently, Bulgarian Shipowner Navibulgar (Navigation Maritime Bulgare) fleet constitutes 28 dry bulk carriers mostly handy handymax size and 6 new-building handy bulk carriers in Chinese Shipyards. 17-June-2016