Russian Fuel Tanker Heads to Cuba Following Ship-to-Ship Transfer Off Cyprus
A tanker reportedly carrying Russian fuel is heading to Cuba in a move that tests the sanctions regime of US President Donald Trump’s administration. The Sea Horse is expected to arrive in early March carrying fuel for power generation and transport, according to Bloomberg.
The shipment comes as Cuba faces an energy crisis, with available power having dropped since the start of the year. Satellite images show night-time lighting has decreased by up to 50%. In January, Cuba received no oil at all for the first time in a decade, increasing pressure on the country’s economy.
Ship-to-Ship Transfer Off Cyprus Reveals Cargo Details
Shipping data from Kpler Ltd shows the Sea Horse took on its cargo via a ship-to-ship transfer off the coast of Cyprus. Matt Smith, the company’s lead oil analyst, estimates the vessel is carrying nearly 200,000 barrels of Russian gasoil, a diesel-type fuel used widely in transport and electricity production.
Cuba has no significant domestic oil production and relies heavily on imported fuel or crude oil to run its refineries. The energy situation in Cuba has deteriorated dramatically, with available power having dropped since the start of the year, while satellite images show night-time lighting has decreased by up to 50%.
US Authorities Seize Vessels Involved in Sanctioned Oil Trade
It remains unclear whether the Sea Horse will manage to bypass the US blockade. Authorities have already seized at least nine vessels involved in transporting sanctioned oil. Russia is facing intensified international sanctions due to the four-year war in Ukraine.
Simultaneously, the US and European countries have stepped up efforts to seize tankers from the so-called “shadow fleet” used to move sanctioned oil. The US military presence in the Caribbean has significantly restricted oil flows to Cuba.
Ocean Mariner Changes Course Amid Increased Scrutiny
Earlier this month, the tanker Ocean Mariner, frequently used for deliveries to the island, changed course and listed the Bahamas as its final destination, according to ship-tracking data. That vessel had loaded 30,000 barrels of diesel at the Colombian port of Barranquilla, according to a shipping report cited by Bloomberg.
The Sea Horse’s journey highlights the challenges faced by Cuba in securing oil supplies amid international sanctions and US efforts to restrict fuel flows to the island nation.
Original Article: Russian fuel tanker heads to Cuba following ship-to-ship transfer off Cyprus — Philenews