The oil tanker Chariot Tide, which has been linked in open-source tracking databases to sanctions-related monitoring, transmitted a “Not Under Command” (NUC) status while operating near the Strait of Gibraltar within the last 24 hours.
The NUC signal triggered heightened monitoring by maritime authorities in the area, given the vessel’s proximity to one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors and its prior compliance profile. Traffic in the strait continued to flow, with no immediate disruption reported.
At the time of reporting, authorities have not publicly confirmed the nature of the mechanical issue, the vessel’s flag-state response, or whether the tanker has been directed to a port of refuge.
Why it matters for maritime
– A NUC status in a major chokepoint represents a direct navigational risk to surrounding traffic, particularly for deep-draft tankers and high-density east-west transits.
– When combined with sanctions-linked scrutiny, such incidents often prompt safety-led inspections alongside compliance checks, increasing the likelihood of detention or extended delays.
– Masters and operators transiting the area should maintain heightened situational awareness, monitor VHF traffic closely, and be prepared for temporary traffic management measures if authorities escalate controls.
Further updates are expected once the vessel’s condition and regulatory status are formally clarified.
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