Russian Diesel Tanker Stopped Off US Coast, Maritime Traffic Data Shows
A tanker carrying the first shipment of Russian diesel destined for the United States has stopped off the US East Coast, maritime traffic data showed on Tuesday, while the company operating the ship said its destination had not yet been determined. The Maltese-flagged tanker Agioi Fanendes loaded 40,000 metric tons of ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel at the Russian Baltic port of Primorsk on October 22, LSEG maritime traffic data showed. The expected delivery date was November 7.
The development comes as US President Donald Trump last month announced a surprise agreement with Moscow to import diesel from Russia, in order to lower fuel prices at the pump ahead of this year’s congressional elections. However, the Greek-based company “Eastmed”, which operates the tanker “Agioi Fanendes”, announced a week later that the ship was continuing its voyage pending instructions and that the port of unloading had not yet been determined or confirmed.
Uncertainty Surrounds Tanker’s Destination
“Nothing has changed regarding the ship’s destination, it is still awaiting instructions,” Greek company Eastmed told Reuters on Tuesday. Ships may change their reported destination several times during their voyage or re-state to await instructions if a potential deal falls through, plans change, or the operator does not wish to disclose the intended destination.
Maritime traffic data showed that other tankers carrying Russian diesel, which had previously listed the Atlantic coast of the United States as their destination, later changed course. The uncertainty surrounding the tanker’s destination has raised concerns about the potential impact on fuel prices and the US energy market.
Historical Context: Imports from Russia Banned in 2022
Former US President Joseph Biden introduced a ban on the import of Russian oil and petroleum products into the US in 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The move was seen as a response to the growing tensions between Russia and Western countries over the conflict.
Trump, approving the deal last month, exempted certain transactions from the application of a new US law on sanctions against Moscow and announced that Russia would immediately export 300,000 tons, or 2.25 million barrels, to the US and world markets, followed by a delivery of 500,000 tons in November and a million tons “immediately thereafter.”
Local Concerns: New Jersey Governor Warns Against Russian Diesel Imports
Democratic New Jersey Governor Mickey Sherrill warned local port authorities and terminal operators this month not to accept Russian diesel, saying such shipments would violate federal law. Cheryl, a spokesperson for the governor’s office, said that importing Russian diesel could expose companies and individuals who use New Jersey ports to severe civil and criminal penalties.
The development has sparked concerns about the potential impact on fuel prices and the US energy market, as well as the implications for international relations between Russia and Western countries.
Original Article: Reuters: Tanker carrying Russian diesel stopped off US coast, maritime traffic data shows — Vijesti