Scot Tankers of Istanbul reports that the MT Scot Bremen (IMO 9260835), a Maltese-flagged product tanker, was enroute from the Port of Pecem, Brazil, and arrived off the coast of Ostend, Belgium, on Friday, 20 June 2025.

While awaiting pilot boarding at the anchorage, on 22 June, the Master discovered that five ratings on board were concealing suspected packages. He immediately cancelled the scheduled pilotage and notified Belgian police and customs authorities. All ratings were immediately isolated and have mobile phones collected by the master.

Due to adverse weather conditions, authorities were unable to board the vessel at the anchorage. Acting in full cooperation with the authorities, the vessel proceeded to the nearest port, Zeebrugge, arriving on 23 June at 2000LT to facilitate the boarding of the customs and the police for investigation. Upon boarding by Belgian customs, significant quantities of narcotics were collected on board.

Five crew members have since been detained by Belgian police. Following the interviewing of master as witness only, the authorities cleared the Master and the shipowner from the investigation. Both the police and the Public Prosecutor’s office have commended the Master for his conduct in reporting the matter, preserving evidence, and assisting the investigation.

Scot Tankers maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward drug-related offences and is proud of the Master and his senior officers, who displayed the highest standards of professionalism under pressure.

Immediate steps were taken to contract replacement crew for those implicated. The replacement personnel are due to arrive today, 26 June, and the vessel is expected to resume normal operations shortly thereafter, with onward passage to Zelzate.

Scot Tankers continues to work closely with the relevant authorities and remains fully committed to the highest standards of safety, compliance, and integrity.

SCOT Gemi Isletmeciligi AS

Which is active since 2015, is a ship-owning and management company operating in international waters with its fleet of 12 chemical tankers. The company specializes in the safe and efficient transportation of chemical, petroleum, and edible cargoes under international regulations.

Media Contact:
Mark Clark ‪+44 7795 170603