Comoros-Flagged Oil Tanker A3R H Detained in Durban

The oil tanker A3R H, sailing under the flag of Comoros, was detained in Durban following a Port State Control inspection carried out on 26 Feb 2026, according to a report issued under the Abuja MOU. Inspectors recorded nine deficiencies during the examination of the vessel, though none were classified as detainable deficiencies under the applicable criteria. Despite this classification, port authorities proceeded with the detention of the ship, which remains at the South African port pending further action. The A3R H, identified by IMO number 9142502, has a gross tonnage of 4,405 and a deadweight of 6,649 tonnes, making it a relatively small tanker within its class. The Abuja MOU, which oversees Port State Control inspections across West and Central African maritime administrations, regularly publishes detention data as part of efforts to maintain compliance with international safety, pollution prevention and crew welfare standards. No further details have been released regarding the specific nature of the deficiencies identified or the timeline for the vessel's release. Owners and operators of detained vessels are typically required to rectify outstanding issues before port authorities authorise departure, and follow-up inspections are generally conducted to confirm compliance.