On 17 January, Italian authorities seized the bulk carrier Hizir Reis in the port of Brindisi, citing suspected violations of EU sanctions linked to a cargo of roughly 33,000 tonnes of ferrous metals. The action followed inspections by customs and Italy’s financial police, coordinated with the local prosecutor’s office.
Investigators allege that onboard documentation was falsified to conceal a call at Novorossiysk, Russia. According to reporting referencing Italian enforcement statements, the ship’s AIS signal was deliberately switched off near the Russian port, while an examination of the vessel’s ECDIS data indicated the bulker was in the Novorossiysk area from 13 to 16 November 2025 (note: this is November, not January).
Italian prosecutors have opened an investigation into multiple parties, including the importer, the shipowner, the master, and crew members, on suspicion of attempting to circumvent EU restrictive measures.
The Hizir Reis is a Tuvalu-flagged bulk carrier built in 1999. Reported particulars include a length of 199.9 m, breadth of 23.64 m, and gross tonnage of 21,387 GT.
