According to sources at the Suez Canal Authority, the situation stems from a commercial legal dispute between the Egyptian shipping agency Sphinx and the ship's owner. The dispute is unrelated to canal transit fees or the Authority's procedures.

In response to media reports about the Russian tanker "Dignity" being held in the Suez Canal, the Russian Embassy in Cairo issued a statement. The Russian Embassy confirmed that it has been monitoring this issue since the ship was detained in the Port of Suez. According to the Embassy, the issue stems from a multifaceted commercial dispute.

The embassy is providing all possible support to the crew of the ship, who are Russian citizens. During this time, the embassy has kept in constant contact with the ship's former and current captains, as well as the Egyptian authorities, insurance companies, maritime recruitment agencies, and other relevant shipping agencies.

The embassy has announced that the legal basis for detaining the tanker is the demand for payment of Suez Canal transit fees, which have not been paid for reasons that remain unclear.

The owner evaded communication 

In this context, the Egyptian side did not object to Russian citizens disembarking and returning home, provided the ship's safety was guaranteed. However, the crew has not resorted to this option yet, as they are currently enjoying suitable living conditions on board and wish to resolve the dispute with the Russian owner concerning their financial dues and overdue wages. The owner has evaded communication from the outset.

Monitor developments in the situation

The embassy confirmed that it continues to monitor developments in the situation in coordination with the ship's crew and relevant authorities and will continue to provide assistance to our citizens, including facilitating their return to Russian territory.

The Suez Canal Authority denied any involvement. 

RT contacted the Suez Canal Authority ( SCA ) which denied any involvement in the detention of the Russian tanker Dignity and its crew. The ship has been held in the Suez port anchorage area since last fall.According to sources at the Suez Canal Authority, the situation stems from a commercial legal dispute between the Egyptian shipping agency Sphinx and the ship's owner. The dispute is unrelated to canal transit fees or the Authority's procedures.

The tanker is being held under Court Order No. 45 of 2025,

Sources revealed that the tanker is being held under Court Order No. 45 of 2025, issued by the Ismailia Economic Court. The order mandates the judicial seizure and detention of the ship in the Suez Port anchorage area until the financial obligations owed to the shipping agency, Sphinx, are met. This is due to the owning company's failure to fulfill its obligations.

A statement in November 2025, 

The SCA's official position, issued in a statement in November 2025, was confirmed by the sources. In this statement, the Authority categorically denied any connection to the dispute and called on the media to exercise due diligence and obtain information from official sources. SCA made this call to avoid rumors that could cause confusion or cast doubt on the safety of operations in the shipping lane.

The "Dignity and Argo tanker Group

The "Dignity"  (IMO 9283241, MMSI 273253500)  It is a Suezmax crude oil tanker sailing under the Russian flag, Since 2023, it has been owned and operated by the Russian company Argo tanker Group. Since 2025, the ship has been listed on U.S., European, and British sanctions lists for transporting Russian oil in violation of the G7-imposed price ceiling. In October 2025, the ship was detained in the Suez Canal port area due to a commercial dispute with the Egyptian shipping agent Sphinx regarding unpaid dues. This resulted in the issuance of a judicial seizure order.

The Russian ship owner's noncompliance with the  MLC, 2006 Regulation

The Russian shipowner's noncompliance with Regulation 2.5 and Standard A2.5.2 of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006) is evident in two ways. First, the owner failed to pay wages. Second, the owner did not cover repatriation costs. Through our diplomatic channel, the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Cairo will address the Russian Maritime Authority (Flag State) to enforce Regulation 2.5 and Standard A2.5.2 of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. Specifically, we will demand action to activate the Mandatory Financial Security system to cover the seafarers' repatriation costs.

#Suez Canal Authority #RT #Russian Embassy # Russian ship owner #Crew #The "Dignity" #Port of Suez# MLC, 2006 Regulation # financial dispute