General Cargo Ship BBC OLYMPUS Detained in Durban

The general cargo/multipurpose vessel BBC OLYMPUS was detained following a Port State Control inspection carried out in Durban on 12 Mar 2026, according to an Abuja MoU inspection report. The ship, flagged in Antigua and Barbuda, has a gross tonnage of 8,255 and a deadweight of 9,317 tonnes. It carries IMO number 9508457. The inspection recorded a total of three deficiencies, though the report lists zero detainable deficiencies against the vessel, despite confirming that it has been detained. Port State Control inspections under regional memoranda of understanding, such as the Abuja MoU covering West and Central African waters, are conducted to verify compliance with international safety, pollution prevention and crew welfare standards. Detentions are typically imposed when deficiencies are deemed serious enough to pose a risk to the safety of the ship, its crew, or the environment, preventing the vessel from continuing its voyage until the issues are resolved. No further details were provided regarding the nature of the deficiencies identified or the timeline for the vessel's release. Authorities in Durban have not issued additional commentary on the discrepancy between the deficiency classification and the detention order.