Sanctions Evasion: LPG Tankers and Their Activities
The recent activities of three liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers have raised concerns about sanctions-busting and circumvention of international restrictions. The Captoon 2 (IMO 8817693), Katara (IMO 9003079), and Happy (IMO 9040170) vessels, all with a history of involvement in delivering oil to the sanctioned Syrian government, have been tracked as they set sail from various ports in Europe and Turkey, only to disappear from radar for extended periods before reappearing at their final destinations.
The United States has blacklisted the Captoon 2 and Katara for their involvement in delivering oil to Syria between 2016 and 2019. Satellite imagery and ship tracking data have confirmed that these vessels ended up at the Baniyas port in northwestern Syria, despite initially signaling for Lebanon or Tripoli.
Tracking the Vessels
The Captoon 2, which was previously known as Gitta Gas and Juno Gas before changing its name to Captoon 2 in March 2020, has a history of changing its identity. Its AIS transponder was switched off while it sailed from Albania’s Romano port on January 7, only to reappear at the Baniyas LPG Single Buoy Mooring (SBM) on January 21.
Similarly, the Katara and Happy vessels followed patterns of disappearing from radar for extended periods before reappearing at their final destinations. The Happy, which left Greece’s Aspropyrgos port earlier this month, was tracked using satellite imagery and ship tracking data to confirm its presence at the Baniyas port.
Sanctions and Their Impact
These enforcement actions are part of a broader sanctions regime aimed at preventing the transfer of oil and other energy products to the sanctioned Syrian government. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has listed several vessels, including the Captoon 2 and Katara, for their involvement in delivering oil to Syria.
The EU and national governments have also imposed sanctions on individuals and entities involved in the supply of oil and energy products to Syria. These measures are designed to weaken the Syrian government’s ability to fund its military activities and humanitarian crises.
The industry impact of these sanctions is significant, as they restrict the flow of oil and energy products to Syria and limit the ability of sanctioned entities to access international markets. The use of satellite imagery and ship tracking data has become increasingly important in monitoring compliance with these sanctions and identifying vessels involved in sanctions-busting activities.
Overall, the recent activities of the Captoon 2, Katara, and Happy vessels highlight the ongoing challenges posed by sanctions evasion and circumvention. As governments continue to impose sanctions on entities involved in the supply of oil and energy products to Syria, it is essential that they remain vigilant and adapt their enforcement strategies to stay ahead of evolving tactics used by sanctioned entities.
Original Article: The Art of Sanctions-Busting, Part Two: How Three LPG Tankers Set Sail for Syria – The Fuse — Thefuse