Spanish involvement allows Russian oil tanker to bypass sanctions
Oil tanker (Photo: Getty Images)
An oil tanker under EU sanctions for transporting Russian crude lost propulsion off the coast of Spain and was escorted to a Moroccan port without being detained, reports Reuters.
The Chariot Tide, which is listed on the EU sanctions registry for transporting Russian oil, was accompanied by a Spanish rescue vessel to a Moroccan port without any detention measures being taken.
The Spanish Merchant Marine Administration reported that the vessel previously sailed under the name Marabella Sun and flew the flag of Mozambique until November.
Loss of propulsion in Spain’s responsibility zone
According to the agency, on January 22, the tanker’s engine failed, leaving it drifting in international waters about 33 miles south of Adra in the province of Almería.
This area falls within Spain’s search-and-rescue zone. However, the administration did not explain why the vessel was not detained.
Shadow fleet and sanctions evasion
Industry analysts estimate that between 1,200 and 1,600 tankers currently make up the so-called shadow fleet. These ships are used to bypass Western sanctions and export oil, particularly to China and India.
They are typically older vessels with opaque ownership structures and no first-class insurance.
Earlier, countries in the Baltic and North Seas issued a joint warning about the dangers posed by ships falsifying identification, switching off tracking systems, and changing flags to evade sanctions control.
Context of relations with Morocco
Morocco, a US ally, also maintains working relations with Russia. In October, the countries signed an agreement allowing Russian vessels to fish in Morocco’s Atlantic waters.
Earlier, after India reduced its imports of Russian oil, a number of tankers carrying around 140 million barrels of crude were anchored at sea. Most of the vessels that had been idling off the coast of Oman are gradually moving closer to India or heading toward China, while only one tanker has managed to offload its oil.
Meanwhile, 14 EU countries issued a joint warning to Russian tankers from the so-called shadow fleet in the Baltic and North Seas: ships must sail under a single flag and have valid safety and insurance documentation, or they will be considered stateless under international maritime law.
