Georgian Maritime Transport Agency dismisses opposition-leaning TV Formula’s report alleging TARYN EVE being sanctioned vessel

The Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia on Saturday rejected claims circulated by opposition-leaning Formula TV regarding the vessel TARYN EVE (IMO 9256925), noting that information suggesting the ship was sanctioned does not correspond to reality.

The Agency noted that the vessel and its related companies were not subject to international sanctions and operate within the framework of international maritime regulations.

“The information voiced in the announcement of the story by TV company Formula, as if TARYN EVE (IMO 9256925) is a sanctioned vessel, does not correspond to the truth. The said vessel is not included in the lists of sanctioned vessels of the European Union, the USA (OFAC), the United Kingdom or the United Nations. Likewise, the vessel’s owner, technical and commercial operator companies are not sanctioned”, the Agency said.

The Maritime Transport Agency further noted that TARYN EVE has valid Norwegian P&I liability insurance issued by Hydor AS, which remains valid until December 18, 2026.

“The vessel has valid Norwegian P&I liability insurance (Hydor AS), which is in force until 18 December 2026, as well as valid class certificates issued by the Indian Register of Shipping, a member of the International Association of Classification Societies recognised by the European Union. These circumstances confirm that the vessel operates in the normal regime within the international maritime industry and does not represent a sanctioned or so-called shadow fleet. The said vessel has already left Georgia’s territorial waters”, the statement continued.

It explained that questions raised by a journalist regarding a possible connection between the vessel and ForteTrade FZ LLC were examined, but such ownership or affiliation was not confirmed by the vessel’s official documentation.

“The journalist addressed questions to the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development. The questions noted that the mentioned cargo vessel belongs to the company ForteTrade FZ LLC. The journalist explained that information about the connection or ownership of the company and the vessel is not confirmed by the vessel’s documentation”, the statement said.

“The registered owner of the vessel is the company SEA WISE SHIPPING S.A. (Liberia), Comp. IMO: 0369071. The technical manager of the vessel is: EMPOWER SHIP MANAGEMENT PVT LT (India), Comp. IMO: 0168984. The commercial and beneficial owner of the vessel: ANVION MARITIME & LOGISTICS SERVICES FZCO (UAE)”, the statement noted.

The Agency further said that all vessels entering Georgia were checked for compliance with applicable international sanctions regimes, and ships or individuals connected to sanctioned entities were not permitted to operate in Georgian ports.

“The Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia checks every vessel before its entry into Georgia for compliance with applicable international sanctions. In the event that a vessel or persons connected with it are under international sanctions, such a vessel is not given the opportunity to operate in Georgia’s ports”, the Agency said.

The Maritime Transport Agency accused Formula TV of intentionally spreading inaccurate information despite having received official explanations and comments from relevant authorities.

“It should also be emphasised that the journalist of the programme, Shabati’s Formula, was provided with complete information about the said vessel; he also received a television comment from the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development; however, despite this, the TV company deliberately disseminates disinformation, misleads the public and intentionally engages in activity harmful to the country”, the Agency concluded.