The decision to inspect the vessel was taken after information was received from the Icelandic Maritime Traffic Service indicating deficiencies related to the safe operation of the vessel. Among other things, information was received indicating that the vessel’s AIS (Automatic Identification System) was not active. An inspection was subsequently carried out to verify whether the vessel complied with the international requirements applicable to it.

During the inspection conducted on 31 July, several required documents were not presented, including a valid International Tonnage Certificate, nautical charts and documentation confirming inspection of the vessel’s AIS equipment.

An International Tonnage Certificate is a mandatory certificate that confirms a vessel’s official tonnage. It is one of the fundamental documents used in the application and enforcement of international requirements relating to safety and regulatory oversight. Vessels engaged in international voyages are required to carry a valid certificate on board and present it during port State control inspections.

Bandero was registered under the flag of Panama on 30 April 2026. According to information obtained by ICETRA from the Panamanian authorities on 6 August, no application had been submitted for a new tonnage certificate for the vessel. On 11 August, ICETRA was presented with a tonnage certificate issued by the vessel’s previous flag State, together with an inspection report relating to the vessel’s AIS equipment. However, under the applicable requirements, the vessel was required to carry an International Tonnage Certificate issued by the Republic of Panama as its current flag State.

ICETRA did not remove any documents or records from the vessel during the inspection.

In its communications with representatives of the vessel and during its review of the case, ICETRA has requested the documents and information necessary to verify that the vessel complies with statutory requirements. Based on the information currently available, certain mandatory documentation has yet to be confirmed: a valid International Tonnage Certificate and the nautical charts required for the vessel’s intended voyage.

ICETRA carries out its statutory responsibilities in the fields of maritime safety and port State control. The Authority’s assessments are based on applicable legislation, international regulations, and the information and documentation available at any given time.

The detention of the vessel is based on the information and documentation currently available in the case. The detention of Bandero will be lifted once the statutory requirements have been met and the necessary documentation has been verified through a follow-up Port State control inspection.