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M/V Lunita released from detention
12 May 2025
South Korean authorities have completed their investigations on board M/V Lunita and have given the vessel permission to leave the port.
New crew has boarded the ship, and M/V Lunita sailed from Gangneung, South Korea, yesterday morning local time and is on its way to the next loading port.
Most of the crew who were on board when the ship was detained are now returning to the Philippines. This is done in consultation with South Korean authorities and includes the captain.
Upon arrival in the Philippines, they will be met by representatives of the shipping company for debriefing, medical check-ups, and more.
The Norwegian-flagged cargo vessel M/V Lunita. Image by The J.J. Ugland Companies
Drug seizure on board M/V Lunita
5 April 2025
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The authorities found a large amount of cocaine hidden on board. An investigation is ongoing, and it is still unclear how the drugs came aboard our vessel. We are working with relevant authorities to assist in the investigation, both in South Korea and in other affected jurisdictions.
M/V Lunita has been in regular commercial operation, and in recent months the vessel has visited ports in Mexico, Ecuador, Panama, China and South Korea.
Our crew on the ship are from the Philippines. They are still on board, and we have engaged a lawyer to assist them in this difficult situation.
We await the conclusions of the investigation and act on the factual basis that emerges.
The J.J. Ugland companies take this matter very seriously. We have zero tolerance for illegal actions and follow all security- and control routines required in our operations. We will also review our own procedures in light of this incident to consider further measures that can strengthen the security of our vessels.
The J.J. Ugland Companies - press release
