Launched as ROBKAP II by Swan Hunter, Hebburn, as yard Number 71 in 1976.
Renamed APSHERON and operated by the Novorossiysk Shipping Company. Russian Flag.

19,614 Gross. 32,040 Dwt.
15 knots from 12,000 bhp Sulzer.

2007. Renamed MING XI JU for delivery to Breakers at Alang and arrived 20th February 2007.

APSHERON (7343140), Russia, 19614gt, completed Swan Hunter, Hebburn, 7-1976
L as ROBKAP II - 1976 APSHERON - 2007 MING XI JU
BU Alang 20.2.07

Already renamed - River Tyne trip - 27 June 1976: Ron

Hi all, was this the vessel where the Captain committed suicide by tieing a brass fitting to his ankle and jumping off the stern just prior to the vessel starting its sea trials. I seem to remember a replacement Captain being brought off a Russian ship that was steaming off the North East coast. I was on sea trials on one of the Russian tankers from Hebburn the Gudermesh I think? I was in the engineroom workshop talking to the 3rd engineer when a Russian gent came into the workshop and the 3rd who I was talking too just turned and totally ignored me as if I wasn't there, he must have been the commissar.

Micky, I'm beginning to think you must have been a Jonah, people seem to die every time you go out on trials........

The other ship you mention was I assume the GROZNYY of 1975.

See also: viewtopic.php?f=43&t=27626

Ron