Greek Tanker Sails for the U.S. with First Russian Diesel Cargo

The first Russian cargo of diesel fuel exported to the United States got underway on Friday, October 23, according to the Kremlin and independent sources. It appears to be the first of at least three cargoes that have been loaded for the U.S., while other Russian exports have also resumed to traditional customers.

Reuters broke the news using data from Kpler, which has been confirmed by other sources and a comment by the Kremlin spokesperson, although the vessel is now not revealing its destination. The market intelligence firm Energy Aspects, Reuters reports, showed that the Malta-flagged product tanker Agioi Fanendes (50,000 dwt) loaded 298,000 barrels of diesel (approximately 40,000 metric tons). Tracking data confirmed the vessel sailed from Primorsk and is currently in the Baltic.

The vessel, which was built in 2019 and is managed by Eastern Mediterranean Maritime of Greece, was reportedly briefly showing New York as its destination on its AIS transmission. The signal has, however, been changed to “for orders,” raising speculation that the final paperwork has not been resolved or the vessel is trying to attract less attention.

Russian officials earlier in the week indicated the shipments were imminent, saying the last of the paperwork was being completed. Reports said one of the issues is payments due to the sanctions on Russia. The U.S. Treasury reportedly has had to find ways around the limitations.

This story was originally published by The Maritime Executive. Read the full story at The Maritime Executive →