Crimea caller sails for Libya in Russian power play
In one move, Moscow is hoping to build ties with the UN recognised government of Libya while dumping cargo that would have normally ended up in Syria
A bulk carrier is on its way to the Libyan port of Misurata after loading in occupied Feodosia
IN A stark departure from normal trading patterns a member of Russia’s Crimea-calling fleet is sailing directly for Libya in what experts say is a nuanced decision designed to both offload cargo shipped from an occupied port and further Russia’s foreign policy objectives.
Comoros-flagged, 14,339 dwt bulk carrier Damas Wave (IMO: 8915299) loaded in the sanctioned port of Feodosia, located in occupied Crimea, in early January.
Damas Wave is sailing towards Libya signalling Misurata as its destination.
If the vessel unloads, it will be the first time a ship has been tracked delivering cargo directly from occupied Crimea.
In the past, and like other members of the Crimea calling fleet, Damas Wave has been deployed to move cargo from the annexed territory to Syria.
Since the effective closure of the route between Crimea and Syria after the fall of the Assad regime vessels have been diverted to other markets in the Mediterranean, largely Egypt.
Bosphorus Observer geopolitical consultant Yörük Işik said a delivery to Libya was not surprising and was also part of a soft power play to garner favour with the UN-recognised government in Libya, the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity.
Since the collapse of the Assad government Russia has lost access to its naval base in Syria and Libya is a prime candidate for the relocation of these assets.
In an interview with Al Jazeera in early January, the GNU’s foreign affairs minister rejected any notion of a Russian military presence without the permission of the GNU.
“The balance of power in the region is shifting so Russia is trying to make an opening with the Tripoli-based government. It’s a classic tactic from Soviet times to start up deals by activating trade and economic co-operation, and in this instance, Russia is sending grain as a gift,” Işik said.
“Ultimately the voyage of Damas Wave can be viewed as an extension of Moscow’s foreign policy.”
While the arrival of Damas Wave in Libya would mark the first time a ship has sailed directly to this destination from Crimea, there has been one other occasion where a vessel involved in occupied territory trade has indicated Libya as its next port of call.
In July Russia-flagged general cargoship Alfa M (IMO: 9419084) was signalling Libya as its destination after loading at the port of Berdiansk, which is located in the Sea of Azov.
Berdiansk has been under Russian occupation since February 2022. Unlike the ports in Crimea, Berdiansk port is not directly sanctioned.
Alfa M disabled its AIS just east of Crete and Lloyd’s List was unable to confirm where the ship unloaded its cargo.