ASTICAN Responds to Emergency of Russian Fishing Vessel

ASTICAN is addressing a “maritime emergency” involving the Russian fishing vessel “Nikolay Telenkov” (IMO 8607139), which arrived to the port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria towed from Mauritania and without engine, requiring dry docking. In this specific case, according to sources familiar with the situation, European regulations stipulate that entry to a safe port must be allowed.

This vessel, classified as a factory ship during the USSR era, is currently certified as a “fishing vessel.” However, puentedemando.com has learned that the Merchant Marine has raised a query with the European Commission to clarify the interpretation, that is, to confirm whether the sanctions against Russian interests due to the invasion of Ukraine are applicable to fishing vessels or not.

Since April 17, by order of the Government of Spain, the entry to port of any Russian-flagged vessel that meets certain requirements is expressly prohibited, although exceptions are also considered.

According to the maritime traffic tracking website vesselfinder.com, the aforementioned vessel arrived at the port of Las Palmas on April 8, coming from the fishing grounds of Mauritania.

The “Nikolay Telenkov” is a Russian-flagged fish factory in service since 1988. It has a gross tonnage of 7,765 tons, measuring 120 m in length and 19 m in width.

Four other Russian fishing vessels are docked at the port of Las Palmas, awaiting developments.

The Russian fishing vessel is currently dry docked at ASTICAN facilities

Photos: Manuel Pérez H.