MV Ince Akdeniz is still in East Med, off the coast of Haifa, Israel. The vessel was destined to Turkey and after rejection by the Turkish authorities, it was, reportedly, sold to Egypt but now remain unaccepted.

However, another vessel, MV Mana, carrying 55000 tonnes of Indian wheat to Egypt is at Alexandria anchorage and has cleared all quality tests. MERA group has exported this consignment and was sourced from state of Madhya Pradesh in India. Egyptian quality tests are considered to be the most stringent in the world and this has come as a big validation. The wheat was tested for 520 pesticides and other quality tests in India and Egypt. “If you can clear Egyptian tests then you can get them cleared anywhere in the world” says confident CEO of MERA group.

Fate of MV Ince Akdeniz is still in limbo. It seems geopolitical reasons are at play for this vessel. We remain optimistic that with high international prices amid shortage of wheat, the wheat will soon find a home.