Russian Tankers Stranded Due to US's Iran-Related Sanctions

Four Russian tankers transporting oil and refined products have been stranded at sea due to new sanctions related to Iran imposed by the United States.

On April 4th, the U.S. targeted Oceanlink Maritime DMCC and its fleet for allegedly shipping commodities on behalf of the Iranian military. The U.S. Treasury Department stated that these sanctions are intended to cut off Iran and hinder its ability to finance proxy groups purportedly supporting Russia in the conflict in Ukraine.

The sanctioned fleet includes three tankers loaded with oil products in February and March, and one tanker filled with Russian crude oil in early April.

The Anthea, a very large crude carrier (VLCC), loaded 200,000 metric tons of Russian Ural crude oil through ship-to-ship transfers from two vessels near the Laconian Gulf off Greece in late March. It is currently moored in the Suez Canal.

Elsa, another tanker affected by the sanctions, received 100,000 metric tons of fuel oil via ship-to-ship transfer near the Port of Kalamata. This fuel oil was originally shipped from St. Petersburg and Ust-Luga, Russia. Elsa is now anchored in Singapore.

The third vessel, Hebe, took on 100,000 metric tons of fuel oil at the Baltic ports of St. Petersburg and Ust-Luga in Russia. It is en route to the Suez Canal, though its ultimate destination remains undisclosed.

Finally, the Baxter, carrying naphtha from the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk and headed for India, has been adrift in the Arabian Sea since April 5th.