The Georgian Maritime Transport Agency has issued a statement regarding the new sanctions announced by the United Kingdom in June 2026, under which the vessel SILVAR (IMO 9291262) was included in the list of sanctioned entities.

According to the agency, the vessel was at the Kulevi seaport in February 2026, and during its operations at that time, it was not subject to sanctions under the sanction regimes of the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United States of America, or the United Nations.

“Accordingly, it is unclear what purpose the information released by the Embassy of the United Kingdom serves in referencing Georgia, given that there were no international sanctions against the vessel at the time of its entry into and operation in Georgia, and all competent authorities of Georgia acted in full compliance with applicable national and international obligations.

Prior to the vessel’s entry into Georgia, the competent authorities of Georgia, in accordance with applicable legislation and established procedures, carried out a multi-level sanctions and legal check. As a result of this verification, no international sanctions or legal restrictions were identified against the vessel, its owner, operator, or other related persons.

The SILVAR was sailing under the Panamanian flag at the time, held a valid class certificate from Lloyd’s Register (United Kingdom), and was insured with valid P&I and Hull & Machinery coverage. Its registered owner and technical manager were properly identified.

It is also noteworthy that on December 5, 2025, the vessel underwent a Port State Control (PSC) inspection under the Paris MoU in the Skagen Strait, Kingdom of Denmark. As a result of the inspection, only four minor deficiencies were recorded and the vessel was not detained, confirming its compliance with international maritime safety and technical standards.

The vessel’s navigation history further shows that it operated on regular international maritime trade routes and visited ports across Europe, Asia, and Africa, including Malta, Denmark (Skagen), Egypt, Malaysia, India, China, and other destinations.

The Georgian Maritime Transport Agency once again emphasizes that entry of any vessel into Georgian ports is subject to strict legal, sanctions, and security controls. Georgia does not and cannot serve as a platform for circumventing international sanctions, and all decisions are made solely on the basis of the legal and factual circumstances in force at the international level at the relevant time.

The effectiveness of international sanctions is based on the principle of legal certainty and timeliness. Accordingly, it is unacceptable to assess the activity of a vessel or company on the basis of sanctions imposed several months after its presence in Georgia,” the statement said.

The British Embassy in Georgia stated on social media: “The new sanctions package also targets the vessel SILVAR, which accessed a Georgian port earlier this year.”