UK Oil Tanker Whitstar Detained in Zeebrugge

The oil tanker WHITSTAR (IMO 9287833) was detained in Zeebrugge following a Port State Control inspection conducted on 22 Oct 2026, according to a Paris MOU detention report. Inspectors recorded a total of 21 deficiencies, six of which were classified as detainable, prompting authorities to hold the vessel in port. The WHITSTAR is a UK-flagged oil tanker with a gross tonnage of 2,159. The vessel's ISM company is listed as Whitaker Tankers Ltd. No further details on the specific nature of the deficiencies have been disclosed in the report. The Paris MOU, which oversees port state control inspections across European waters and the North Atlantic, uses a detention mechanism to prevent substandard ships from sailing until identified safety, environmental or operational deficiencies are corrected. Vessels flagged for detention must undergo follow-up inspection to verify that all detainable deficiencies have been rectified before clearance to depart is granted. The detention of the WHITSTAR adds to the record of inspections carried out under the Paris MOU framework, which monitors compliance with international maritime safety and environmental conventions. Further updates on the vessel's status are expected once remedial action has been completed and verified by port authorities.