The Arctic Sea, the ship hijacked in July, left Malta on Thursday bound for Algeria to deliver its much-delayed cargo, the vessel's agents said.
The ship was carrying timber from Finland to Algeria in July when investigators said it was hijacked as it passed through the Channel towards the Atlantic, sparking a high-seas chase amid rumours that it was transporting a secret cargo.
Weeks later the Maltese-flagged vessel was recaptured by Russian warships off the west African islands of Cape Verde. Eleven crew were flown to Moscow and initially detained while apparently being prevented from speaking to their families, fuelling speculation of a cover up.
Eight suspects -- Russians, Estonians and Latvians -- have been accused of hijacking the Arctic Sea and are now awaiting trial in Moscow on charges of piracy and kidnapping. They have maintained their innocence.
The ship remained at sea amid disagreements among the various governments involved and its Finnish owners
It docked in Malta on October 29 after being handed over by Russian authorities. While in Valletta, the vessel underwent repairs, mainly to its communication systems.
The vessel had left Finland on July 23 headed for Bhaejaia, Algeria, where it had been due to arrive on August 4.
Moscow strongly denied reports that the ship may have been carrying advanced anti-aircraft S-300 missiles to Iran.
