Russia’s Shadow Fleet Conducts $29.3 Million Oil Transfer in Gulf of Oman
Russia has turned to its so-called “shadow fleet” to carry out a roughly $29.3 million “semi-dark” ship-to-ship oil transfer in the Gulf of Oman, deliberately sidestepping Western sanctions, according to reports.
Maritime intelligence firm Windward AI reported on March 8 that the Russian-flagged tanker M/V TRUST, a vessel already blacklisted by the U.S., European Union and United Kingdom, carried out a “high-probability” covert crude transfer in Omani territorial waters. The timing of the operation coincided with heightened military escalation in the Gulf following Operation Epic Fury, suggesting the vessel exploited regional instability to conduct the transfer under reduced scrutiny.
Shadow Fleet Tactics Complicate Tracking Efforts
A fully “dark” meeting, Windward said, typically involves two vessels not transmitting, but, in this case, only one ship appeared to be broadcasting, creating partial visibility that still complicates tracking efforts. Such tactics are part of a broader strategy by Moscow to continue exporting crude despite sweeping Western sanctions imposed after Russia‘s invasion of Ukraine.
Global Energy Markets React to Escalating Conflict
Oil topped $100 a barrel March 9 as traders priced in the risk that the conflict was disrupting flows through the Strait, which carries about a fifth of global supply. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said Tuesday that Russia “should not be involved” in the escalating conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran. His comments followed reports suggesting Moscow may be providing intelligence support to Tehran, though the Kremlin has not publicly confirmed the claims.
Windward Highlights Operational Blind Spots
On Russia‘s ship-to-ship semi-dark cargo transfer amid the ongoing conflict, Windward highlighted “operational blind spots that enable illicit maritime activity to proceed largely uninterrupted.” The firm noted that such tactics are part of a broader strategy by Moscow to continue exporting crude despite sweeping Western sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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