Bulk Carrier XIN HAI TONG 18 Detained in Varna

The bulk carrier XIN HAI TONG 18 (IMO 9519004) was detained at the port of Varna following a Port State Control inspection conducted under the Black Sea MOU on 29 Sep 2026. Inspectors recorded a total of 19 deficiencies aboard the vessel, though none were formally classified as detainable deficiencies. The Marshall Islands-flagged vessel has a gross tonnage of 32,987 and a deadweight of 57,070 tonnes. It is managed under the International Safety Management Code by Fujian Dasong International Ship Management Co Ltd. Despite the absence of detainable deficiencies in the official count, port authorities proceeded with detention of the ship following the inspection. Port State Control inspections are carried out to verify that foreign-flagged vessels calling at member ports comply with international conventions covering safety, pollution prevention and crew welfare. Detentions can be imposed when accumulated deficiencies raise sufficient concern about a vessel's overall condition or when specific statutory or safety requirements are not met. The vessel will remain under detention in Varna until the identified deficiencies are addressed and authorities are satisfied the ship meets the required standards for release.