The company owning the oil vessel Durga (9260005) has sent a threatening letter about our investigation related to Alkagesta specifically about this article on Alkagesta’s Russian oil imports to Turkey at the Port of Marmara.
I am considering this letter as a right of reply and publishing it in full.
The letter does not deny any specific facts mentioned in this article and is a general denial about everything that was published. The article never mentioned that the Durga bunkered in Malta and it is only the company that are bringing up this point. The vessel did in fact bunker at the Malta Freeport before they acquired the vessel.
Their reply is intended to state that they made nothing illegal. They are not denying they are shippers of Russian oil.
The vessel was investigated by the Turkish authorities over maritime and environmental infractions.
Shippers transporting Russian oil can transport legally if it is sold below the EU’s price cap.
Full reply below.
Feature photo from Vessel Finder.
Official Statement Regarding Allegations Concerning the Vessel DURGA
Recent media reports concerning our vessel, M/V DURGA, have contained allegations that are entirely unfounded and do not reflect the facts. In light of these publications, we consider it necessary to clarify the matter and ensure that the public is accurately informed.
DURGA SHIPPING CORP LTD is the registered owner and operator of the vessel DURGA. Our vessel operates in accordance with applicable international maritime and trade regulations, relevant international standards, and applicable sanctions requirements, including those of OFAC. Contrary to the claims made in the aforementioned reports, the vessel has not engaged in any of the irregular or improper transactions or voyages alleged.
The vessel entered our company’s fleet on 28 October 2025. Since that date, it has strictly complied with our company policies and with all applicable European and OFAC sanctions regulations. The vessel has not called at Malta since its acquisition, and this allegation is entirely unfounded.
Furthermore, the events referenced in these publications have no substantiated connection to our vessel or its operations. The presentation of unverified allegations as factual assertions creates a misleading impression regarding our activities and risks causing unwarranted damage to the vessel’s commercial reputation and the interests of those associated with its operations.
We categorically reject all allegations and imputations against our company and our vessel. We are a reputable company that strictly follows international standards and applicable sanctions regimes.
We therefore call for the immediate cessation of the publication and dissemination of these unfounded claims and expect any reports containing inaccurate information to be appropriately corrected. Should these allegations continue to be circulated, or should the necessary corrections not be made, we reserve all rights to pursue the appropriate legal remedies against the parties concerned in order to protect our rights, legitimate interests, and commercial reputation.
We trust that all parties involved will act responsibly and ensure that any reporting concerning DURGA is based on verified facts and reliable evidence.
DURGA SHIPPING CORP LTD.
Best Regards
Lea Shipping Corporation
Website Editor
Historian and Publisher
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