Russian Diesel Tanker Halts Off US Coast, Still Awaiting Orders
The Malta-flagged Agioi Fanendes has slowed almost to a halt in the North Atlantic near the United States’ East Coast, after its anticipated 7 November arrival date passed without a confirmed destination. The tanker is still awaiting orders, its manager told Reuters on 10 November.
The Agioi Fanendes loaded around 40,000 metric tonnes of ultra-low-sulphur diesel at Russia’s Baltic port of Primorsk on 22 October, according to shipping data from LSEG cited by Reuters. It initially signalled New York and carried an estimated arrival date of 7 November. Its Automatic Identification System (AIS) destination was later changed to ‘FOR ORDERS’.
Vessel’s Latest Position
On 10 November, Reuters reported that the tanker had stopped off the US East Coast. Maritime data provider Kpler also described the vessel as nearly stationary in the North Atlantic since 9 November and said its reported draught had not changed. AIS and draught data are useful evidence of vessel movements, but do not independently identify the buyer or establish a discharge.
Eastmed, the Greece-based company managing the ship, told Reuters: “Nothing has changed regarding the vessel’s destination, she is still awaiting orders.” A port of discharge had neither been nominated nor finalised. The statement does not identify why the ship slowed or whether it will eventually sail to an American terminal.
US Energy Secretary’s Expectations
Speaking to reporters in New Orleans on 10 November, Energy Secretary Chris Wright was asked about the possibility that the vessel had been turned away. He said he was not concerned and predicted that the tanker would go to another port. He emphasised the administration’s intention to get the diesel onto world markets, according to Reuters’ later report.
Those comments mark an important distinction between the political announcement and the position of this specific shipment. Making Russian diesel available to international buyers could increase global supply, but it would not be equivalent to delivering Russian fuel to the United States. Wright did not provide a confirmed alternative port or buyer for the Agioi Fanendes.
Legal Considerations
The United States adopted the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act in April 2022 after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The law restricts imports of Russian energy products, including diesel.
On 9 October 2026, the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control issued General Licence 135, authorising specified transactions relating to the importation of Russian oil and petroleum products. However, this licence does not necessarily apply to the Agioi Fanendes’ cargo, as its destination remains uncertain.
The halt is a new development in a shipment first identified by Fish 4 News on 23 October, when the tanker signalled New York before switching its declared destination to ‘FOR ORDERS’. Reuters reported the vessel’s latest position on 10 November, while US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said he expected its cargo to reach another port and be sold on world markets. That is an expectation, not confirmation of a diversion, discharge or sale.
There is no verified evidence that the cargo has been discharged at an American port.
Original Article: Russian Diesel Tanker Halts Off US Coast, Still Awaiting Orders — Co