Oil Tanker SONGA OPAL Detained in Antwerp After Inspection

The oil tanker SONGA OPAL (IMO 9473913) was detained at the Port of Antwerp following a Port State Control inspection conducted on 11 Feb 2026, under the Paris MoU regime. Inspectors recorded a total of eight deficiencies aboard the Malta-flagged vessel, four of which were classified as detainable, prompting authorities to hold the ship in port until the issues are rectified. The vessel has a gross tonnage of 11,472 and is classified as an oil tanker. The SONGA OPAL is managed under the ISM Code by Songa Shipmanagement Ltd, which is responsible for addressing the identified deficiencies before the vessel can be cleared to resume operations. Details of the specific deficiencies have not been disclosed in the inspection report. Port State Control detentions under the Paris MoU are issued when inspectors determine that a ship's condition, equipment or crew certification poses a risk to safety, security or the environment, requiring corrective action before departure is permitted. The case adds to the record of inspections carried out by Paris MoU member authorities monitoring compliance with international maritime safety standards.