Two Detained Containerships Linked to Sanctioned Russian Entities Cleared for Release

After nearly three years of being detained in Malta due to their ownership ties to sanctioned Russian entities, two containerships have finally been cleared for release. The 8,204 TEU MSC Bilbao and MSC Valencia, previously operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), were held in limbo at Valletta following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent blacklisting of Russia’s state transportation leasing company, GTLK, by the US Treasury OFAC.

On July 7, 2025, both vessels were transferred to new, non-sanctioned owners and renamed TSC Dorado and TSC London, allowing them to exit detention and resume commercial operations. The new ownership structure under TSC, a company with no known Russian affiliation and ties to Germany’s Hammonia Reederei, paves the way for the vessels to re-enter global service. The terms of the ownership transfer and sale price have not been disclosed.

GTLK has been a focal point in the Western crackdown on Russia’s state-linked leasing and transport entities, leading to the freezing or repossession of numerous aircraft and vessels across Europe since sanctions were imposed in 2022. The vessels, built in 2007, are part of GTLK’s maritime portfolio, which also included tankers and offshore vessels that have faced similar fates of detention, reflagging, or sale.

With the clearance to resume operations, the TSC Dorado and TSC London are currently evaluating chartering options. It remains uncertain whether MSC will continue their commercial deployment under a new time charter or if the new owners will seek alternative liner partners.