An aging tanker loaded with Russian oil was blocked by Indian authorities and transferred its cargo to another ship to complete the delivery, two sources and ship tracking data quoted by "Reuters" reported, News.bg reports.
The tanker Andaman Skies is transferring its crude oil to the Sao Tome and Principe-flagged ship Ozanno.
Although many buyers have avoided Russian oil since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, India and China remain its regular customers. India is the largest buyer of Russian crude by sea, with in 2024 it accounts for about 35% of its total imports.
Last week, port authorities banned the 20-year-old Andaman Skies from entering the port of Vadinar because its seaworthiness certificate was not issued by an Indian-approved classification agency.
The Tanzanian-flagged vessel was carrying about 100,000 tonnes (approximately 800,000 barrels) of Russian oil "Varandey" sold by "Lukoil" from the port of Murmansk. It is currently docked off the port of Mumbai in western India. The Ozanno, an Aframax-class tanker built in 2008, is expected to deliver the cargo to the Indian Oil Corporation in Vadinar next week. Indian regulations require tankers over 20 years old to have a seaworthiness certificate issued by a member of the International Association of Classification Societies or an organization approved by the Indian Maritime Administration. Indian refiners buy Russian oil on a delivery basis, with the seller arranging the ship, insurance and other transportation services. Although Andaman Skies and Ozanno are subject to sanctions by the UK and the European Union, they are not blacklisted by the US or the UN. India only follows UN sanctions. Last month, Ozanno delivered 100,000 tonnes of Urals oil to to the Indian port of Sikka.
Western countries have imposed sanctions on hundreds of ships suspected of being used by Russia to circumvent restrictions on the export prices of crude oil and other cargoes.
Such ships are not regulated or insured by conventional Western companies, increasing the risk of environmental damage in the event of an accident. Norwegian authorities are currently investigating a small company that issued false insurance policies for dozens of aging oil tankers used by Russia.