Bulk Carrier STAR CHARIS Detained at Tianjin Port

The Liberian-flagged bulk carrier STAR CHARIS (IMO 9615418) was detained by port state control authorities following an inspection at Tianjin on 09 Sep 2026, under the Tokyo MOU regime. Inspectors recorded 12 deficiencies during the examination, six of which were classified as detainable, prompting authorities to hold the vessel in port. The ship, with a gross tonnage of 44,980 and deadweight of 81,710 DWT, is managed under the ISM Code by Starbulk SA. Detentions under the Tokyo MOU are issued when inspectors determine that deficiencies pose a risk to the safety of the ship, its crew, or the environment, or when they indicate non-compliance with applicable international conventions. The vessel will remain detained at Tianjin until the identified deficiencies are rectified and a follow-up inspection confirms the ship meets required safety and operational standards. Further details on the specific nature of the deficiencies and the timeline for release have not been disclosed. Port state control inspections form part of a broader international framework aimed at eliminating substandard shipping by verifying that vessels calling at member ports comply with maritime safety, security, and environmental conventions.