Ukraine to put up for sale Turkish ship carrying stolen grain from Crimea
The National Asset Management and Tracing Agency (ARMA) has announced a competition to select an organizer of open bidding for the sale of the seized Turkish vessel USKO MFU. The ARMA press service reported this.
The agency believes that the asset is attractive both for future commercial use and for companies specializing in ship repair or recycling of marine transport.
"The vessel, despite the technical need for refinement, has significant investment potential. In particular, this concerns the presence of the main power unit, basic navigation infrastructure, and the possibility of further restoration or re-equipment," ARMA reported.
The auction organizer must ensure an independent valuation of the asset and its subsequent placement for sale through the electronic platform Prozorro.Sales.
The deadline for submitting competitive proposals is 4:00 PM on July 4, 2025.
- The shipowner of the USKO MFU, which sailed under the flag of Cameroon, is the Turkish company Usko Shipping Co Ltd.
- The ship was detained in Reni in July 2024 after a voyage to occupied Sevastopol.
- According to the investigation, during 2023-2024, the ship repeatedly docked at the seaport of Sevastopol to pick up grain looted by the Russians and deliver it to the Middle East.
- In October, the dry cargo ship was confiscated by a court decision. The captain of the USKO MFU was fined for his actions in Sevastopol.