LPG Tanker Seized in Bangladesh Over Fire and Legal Disputes

The LPG tanker Captain Nikolas was detained at the Port of Chattogram on April 11, following court orders issued by a Bangladeshi court. The arrest is linked to legal actions stemming from a fire incident involving the vessel in October last year.

The incident occurred during an LPG transfer between Captain Nikolas and the vessel B-LPG Sophia in the early hours of October 16. A fire broke out around 12:45 AM, affecting both ships. The blaze on Captain Nikolas was brought under control by 3:30 AM, but the fire aboard Sophia raged on for an additional 12 hours, despite efforts from firefighting teams.

The case has also drawn scrutiny from the LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh, which raised concerns over the origin of the LPG cargo aboard Captain Nikolas. The association alleged that cargo documentation may have been falsified, raising questions about potential violations of international sanctions. A separate investigation into these claims is ongoing.

Since the fire, Captain Nikolas has remained docked at Chattogram, carrying an estimated 34,000 tons of LPG. The vessel's arrest was the result of two admiralty suits filed in Bangladesh.

The first suit was brought by Atlantis Gas DMCC, owner of the B-LPG Sophia, which led to a court issuing an arrest warrant on April 9. The second case, filed by UAE-based Xenon Energy DMCC, prompted a second warrant on April 10. The tanker was officially detained on April 11 after both orders were enforced.

The owner of Captain Nikolas has appointed legal representation to challenge the lawsuits and pursue the vessel's release through the Bangladeshi legal system.