Pushback Against Russian Diesel Gains Traction With U.S. Energy Importers

President Donald Trump's deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin on supplying extra diesel to the U.S. market has run into political opposition, and the pushback appears to be growing. The governor of New Jersey - whose state contains all of the petroleum terminals within the Port of New York & New Jersey - slammed the plan in a statement Thursday, and said that she would try to prevent any tankers involved from berthing.

"Make no mistake: Trump's diesel deal with Putin is corrupt and illegal, and I am evaluating options to stop it from arriving at a port in New Jersey," said Governor Mikie Sherrill (D) in a statement.

Seven potentially relevant tankers are under way from Russia to the United States, according to environmental NGO Greenpeace. Details on the vessels' cargoes are uncertain; TankerTrackers.com believes that at least two of them may be carrying UAN fertilizer, a non-sanctioned and fully legal agricultural cargo. The closest vessel, the product tanker Taurus, is currently off the East Coast and under way for Beaumont, arriving November 5.

Senior Democratic senators and representatives have written to ports, banks, energy companies and at least two shipowners to warn of potential legal consequences for facilitating the importation of Russian fuel.

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