UK-Flagged Bulk Carrier Buccleuch Detained in Tianjin

The bulk carrier BUCCLEUCH was detained by port state control authorities in Tianjin following an inspection conducted on 08 Oct 2026 under the Tokyo MOU regime. Inspectors identified five deficiencies during the examination, two of which were classified as detainable, prompting the vessel's detention pending rectification. The BUCCLEUCH, registered under the United Kingdom flag with IMO number 9729192, has a gross tonnage of 93,488 and a deadweight of 179,444 tonnes. The vessel is managed under the ISM Code by Zodiac Maritime Ltd, which is responsible for addressing the identified safety and compliance deficiencies before the ship can resume operations. Detention under the Tokyo MOU framework is applied when deficiencies are deemed serious enough to pose a risk to the safety of the vessel, its crew, or the environment, requiring the ship to remain in port until corrective action is verified by inspectors. The Tokyo MOU covers port state control inspections across the Asia-Pacific region, aiming to eliminate substandard shipping through a harmonised inspection regime among member authorities. Further details regarding the specific nature of the deficiencies and the timeline for the vessel's release have not been disclosed. The BUCCLEUCH will remain under detention in Tianjin until authorities confirm that all outstanding issues have been resolved in accordance with applicable international maritime safety standards.