Authorities in Murmansk have detained the oil tanker Unity following reports of unpaid crew wages and several regulatory shortcomings discovered during a recent inspection.

The 20 seafarers onboard are owed close to US $90,000 in unpaid salaries. While some overdue wages for June were eventually released in late July, crew members say they are still waiting for their July pay, and those who disembarked have not yet received their final settlements. The wage delays have placed additional strain on the crew’s wellbeing.

A port inspection on August 28 uncovered multiple violations, including a faulty satellite communication system and incomplete vessel documentation. Investigators also raised concerns after the ship changed its flag from Gambia to Lesotho earlier in August. This sudden reflagging appears to have invalidated its insurance coverage and cast doubt on the validity of existing crew contracts.

The Unity, built in 2009 and with a carrying capacity of more than 108,000 dwt, has been flagged by several countries for transporting Russian oil in violation of sanctions. The vessel is sanctioned by the EU, UK, Switzerland, Canada, and Australia. Ownership records are unclear, with links pointing both to Argo Tanker Group LLC and Petroleum United FZCO, complicating accountability for crew wages and safety compliance.

The case reflects wider issues with Russia’s so-called "shadow fleet" — aging vessels that frequently switch names and flags to avoid restrictions. These ships often sail with questionable insurance and limited oversight, posing risks not only to seafarers but also to international shipping safety and the marine environment.