IMO number declared invalid after fatal explosions on UK-insured tanker linked to vessel identity fraud
UK-based Shipowners’ Club found to have provided cover for a 1986-built Thai-flagged tanker masquerading as 2018-built ship after IMO determined its identification number was issued mistakenly
Tanker Smooth Sea 22 identified by UN Security Council report in 2021 as involved in identity laundering scam, yet remained on IMO database until January 17 casualty that killed two and left five missing triggered regulatory re-examination