Alphard Maritime, an Indian owner and operator of offshore support vessels (OSVs), has been highlighted in a recent report. The company manages a fleet that includes OSVs and bulk carriers, with operations spanning India and Nigeria. Captain Alok Kumar is identified as the company's founder and chairman.
The company acquired the Marshall Islands-flagged platform supply vessel (PSV) AM Pioneer, formerly known as Bourbon Helene, in late 2025. This vessel, built in 2006, is part of Alphard Maritime's fleet, which also comprises nine other OSVs.
A master mariner from the AM Pioneer reportedly made a public statement earlier this month. He indicated that he was under pressure to navigate the vessel from Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE through the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz is described as a blockaded area.
The master mariner, Captain Anil Raj, reportedly stated that the company was attempting to compel him and his crew to transit the Strait of Hormuz. He claimed that the company was trying to achieve this in a "crooked way" and was placing the crew's lives in jeopardy.
Captain Raj further alleged that the company was attributing blame to him regarding the situation. He also claimed that the company had instructed him to undertake the crossing, according to the Baird Maritime report.
