Sanctioned Russian Oil Tanker Loses Control Off Algerian Coast
According to TSN.ua: A sanctioned tanker carrying Russian crude oil has lost the ability to steer in the Mediterranean Sea. The vessel, named ‘Progress’, was drifting near the coast of Algeria, raising significant concerns among international maritime observers. This incident highlights the persistent dangers of shipping Russian oil under the current sanctions regime.
The ‘Progress’ was transporting 720,000 barrels (approximately 100,000 tons) of Russian Urals crude oil. During the incident, the tanker’s navigational status was set to ‘Not Under Command’ and its speed dropped to around 1 knot, indicating a severe failure of its steering systems. Such a loss of control poses a direct threat to the vessel’s safety and creates a potential environmental hazard for the region.
Vessel Under Sanctions and Increased Scrutiny
The ‘Progress’ tanker is listed under sanctions by both the European Union and the United Kingdom. The vessel recently reflagged to the Russian registry and was entered into the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping in November. This event occurs amid a wider crackdown on the so-called ‘shadow fleet’ used to transport Russian oil. For instance, French naval forces recently detained a suspected shadow fleet tanker in the Mediterranean, and U.S. authorities have seized at least seven tankers linked to Russian oil shipments since the start of the year.
The loss of control over the ‘Progress’ underscores the heightened risks associated with moving sanctioned Russian oil. A major incident could lead to a significant environmental disaster, particularly in the sensitive ecosystems of the Mediterranean. Furthermore, it calls into question the oversight of maritime shipments that may be linked to illicit economic activities, which threaten both global security and the stability of the oil market.
International Response and Implications
As news of the incident spread, international authorities scrambled to respond. The Algerian coast guard dispatched vessels to assist in the rescue efforts, while the European Union’s Maritime Safety Agency issued a warning to all ships in the area. The United Nations’ Office for Outer Space Affairs also expressed concern over the potential environmental impact.
The ‘Progress’ incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing risks and challenges posed by shipping sanctioned Russian oil. As the international community continues to grapple with the consequences of these activities, it is essential that all stakeholders remain vigilant and take necessary measures to mitigate these dangers.
Original Article: Sanctioned Russian Oil Tanker Drifts Out of Control in Mediterranean Sea — 112