One of the Japanese built tankers in the world seen offshore Malta was the 1979 built GEO flag and Cypriot owned tanker TROODOS.
She was built in Japan by Shin Kochi Jyuko K.K. in 1979 as HAKKO MINERVA with yard no 1306 for Hakko Shoun KK & Daiichi Shoun KK trading until 1985 with Japanese Flag (JPN); renamed as REINA NAVEGANTE with PAN Flag for Mar Del Este SA, Argentina from 1985 to 1987 and REINA NAVEGANTE No 8 until 1989. Sold again and renamed as OTARU 1 still flying PAN flag until 1996; LEYLA trading until 1997, again to South American owners and renamed NARANCO trading until 2006 where her flag changed to DOM (homeported at Portsmouth) and then to GEO (homeported at Batumi) and renamed as TROODOS with Cypriot owners. The name Troodos probably comes from one of two sources: either τρία + ὁδός (tría + hodós), referring to the three roads that lead to the mountain, or τό + ὄρος + Ἄδος (to + oro + Ados), meaning the mountains of Adonis, Cyprus.
On 16th May, 2009 she was spotted for the first time berthed at Misurata Commercial Port, Libya at the Bulk Berthing Facilities. During the Libyan Uprising she was still berthed at the same place as per images taken during May/June 2011.
During July 2012 she was spotted berthed near Medserv Misurata Base near the Grain Silo.
3 years later there were rumours that she was coming to Malta for repairs and during one of our reconnaissance flights she was spotted anchored at Hurd Bank Area with MFD 77 PROGRESS alongside her. All images taken last 26th May, 2015.
She left Malta bound to Lagos, Nigeria as TIUBODAI 1 homeported at Malakal Harbour , Palau.
Watermarked Photos are by Capt. Lawrence Dalli otherwise stated. Do not use these images without my permission. © All rights reserved. Malta Ship Photos & Action Photos – www.maltashipphotos.com
Published – Saturday 17th July ,2021
