ANDAMAN SKIES

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Latest news

Shadow tanker transfers Russian cargo to another sanctioned tanker

The 'Andaman Skies', which is loaded with Russian oil and was barred by Indian authorities, is transferring its cargo to the Sao Tome and Principe-flagged tanker 'Ozanno' (IMO: 9394935). The port authorities had barred the more than 20-year-old tanker from entering the port of Vadinar, as its seaworthiness certificate was not issued by an Indian-approved classification agency. Indian port entry rules require tankers that are more than 20 years old to hold seaworthiness certification by a member of the International Association of Classification Societies, or an entity authorised by India's maritime administration. The vessel, carrying about 100,000 metric tons (800,000 barrels) of Varandey Russian oil sold by Lukoil from the port of Murmansk, was stationary off the port of Mumbai. The 'Ozanno', which had left Sikka on March 29, 2025, is expected to deliver the cargo to Indian Oil Corporation at Vadinar next week and was stationary in pos. 18° 58' N 072° 24' E as of April 4. While the 'Andaman Skies' and 'Ozanno' are both subject to UK and European Union sanctions, they are not under sanctions by the United States or the United Nations. India adheres to United Nations sanctions.

India denies entry of tanker with Russian oil

On March 27, 2025, the, Indian port authorities denied entry to the 'Andaman Skies', which had loaded 767,000 barrels at Murmansk on Feb. 24, and had been due to discharge at Vadinar on March 30. They were citing inadequate documentation and new scrutiny on Russian oil carriers. The tanker lacked certification from a recognized entity, highlighting India's tightened regulation amid U.S. sanctions on Russia. Indian refiners have thus been constrained in buying Russian oil. The ship was loaded with about 10000 tons of Varandey crude oil, to be received by the Indian Oil Corporation. The ship was carrying certification by Dakar Class, which is not recognized by the Indian shipping authorities. At present, the vessel remained in the Arabian Sea between Oman and India, still fully laden, and it appeared to have stopped sailing. The ship’s registered is the Durbeen Navigation Ltd.

Tug to be blamed for allision, tanker arrested

The "Delta Pioneer" was arrested after the decision of the Russian Commercial Court on request of the Primorsk Port operator Transneft – Port Primorsk Co. which was claiming major damage to the pier which was damaged on Nov 20, disrupting Russian oil exports from the Baltic Region. Transneft estimated damages to be around $54,000,000 , though there was no available report with a description of damages, virtually no proofs, except claiming this astounding figure. The tanker had allided with dolphin No.6 of Berth 1 in Primorsk during mooring operations after the stern towing line given to the tanker from the tug "RN Poseidon" broke. Experts’ analysis confirmed initial news that the tanker was not to be blamed for the accident, but instead it was the tug’s fault, whose tow line broke up. The tug belongs to the Rosnefteflot Company, which was found to be not qualified enough to operate tugs in demanding conditions of Primorsk Port.