Georgian Maritime Transport Agency refutes claims of sanctioned vessel at Poti Sea Port

The Georgian Maritime Transport Agency on Friday dismissed reports of a sanctioned vessel at Poti Sea Port as false, clarifying that the tanker Olga complies with all international and national regulations, and urged media to avoid spreading unverified information.

The Agency confirmed that the tanker Olga, insured by a US entity and carrying diesel fuel for Armenia, adhered to all applicable laws and sanctions regimes, emphasising rigorous port control measures to prevent violations and calling for responsible media reporting.

“We wish to respond to the circulated information claiming that a sanctioned vessel is present at the Poti Sea Port. We emphasise that this is false and does not correspond to the truth. For the purpose of informing the public, we clarify that the tanker Olga, insured by the American Club (USA) - American Steamship Owners Mutual Protection & Indemnity Association - and currently at the Poti Sea Port, is not subject to sanctions by the European Union or the United States. The vessel, sailing under the flag of the Russian Federation, delivered diesel fuel with the final destination being Armenia”, the statement said.

The Agency further noted that the operation was being conducted in full accordance with Georgian legislation, international maritime regulations, and all applicable sanctions regimes.

“The operation is being carried out in full compliance with Georgia’s current legislation, international maritime regulations, and all applicable sanctions regimes. The fuel transit is conducted in full compliance with relevant safety, environmental protection, and customs requirements. The Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia once again confirms that the entry of vessels into all Georgian ports is strictly controlled in full compliance with international law and national legislation. The Agency continues its activities to ensure compliance with international maritime safety, security, and environmental protection standards, as well as full adherence to applicable sanctions regimes during vessel entries”, the statement noted.

The Maritime Transport Agency underlined that Georgia’s ports were not being used by any country to circumvent international sanctions.

“Georgia’s ports are not used, including by third countries, to evade sanctions. It is noteworthy that any vessel is pre-approved by the relevant competent state authorities before entering Georgia’s ports, with the aim of preventing sanctioned vessels from entering”, the Agency said.

“In light of this, we call on media outlets to exercise greater responsibility and refrain from disseminating false and unverified information aimed at misleading the public”, the Agency concluded.