Sanctioned Russian tanker takes detour to India to avoid UK sanctions

A Russian tanker carrying crude oil to India has unexpectedly detoured via Scotland, avoiding the usual shortcut across the English Channel. The decision comes after Britain expanded sanctions on Russia’s shadow fleet to cut off oil revenues that fuel the war in Ukraine.

The Aframax tanker Attica loaded 730,000 barrels of Urals crude at Russia’s Ust-Luga terminal in the Baltic Sea.

Normally, ships bound for the Mediterranean and beyond pass between Britain and France, but the Attica is now sailing around the Shetland Islands.

The diversion added about two days to the journey, about 25% of the extra time at sea.

The tanker’s final destination could be Waddinar, a major port on India’s west coast, but its signals currently show Port Said in Egypt, a common stop for ships planning to pass through the Suez Canal.

The shift is not a coincidence. On November 25, 2024, the UK announced its largest sanctions package, targeting 30 Russian tankers.

The ships are part of the so-called “shadow fleet” that transports Russian oil using questionable methods and often lacks adequate insurance.

The British government hopes that the measures will cut off an important source of Russian revenue, making it difficult for the Kremlin to finance its invasion of Ukraine.

They noted that half of the 30 ships subject to sanctions transported more than $4.3 billion of products, such as oil and gasoline, last year. In the new round of sanctions, the UK blacklisted a total of 73 tankers, more than any other country.

The sanctions extend beyond the ships. The UK also targeted the insurance companies that support these ships, increasing pressure on the Russian oil trade. The Foreign Secretary said these shadow fleets are often poorly maintained and pose a serious risk to global trade.

The statement added that “many of these ships ignore basic safety standards, which increases the likelihood of a catastrophic oil spill.”

India has become the largest consumer of Russian oil since Western countries banned most Russian oil imports after the invasion of Ukraine. By taking a longer route, Attica shows that sanctions have complicated oil transport to Russia.

During the G7 meeting in Italy, Britain urged its partners to continue to put pressure on Moscow. The foreign minister also called for continued military and financial support for Ukraine.

He also spoke about other global issues, such as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need to address illegal immigration.

The government pointed out that Moscow is increasingly dependent on military supplies from countries such as North Korea and Iran. They even claimed that Russia sent North Korean troops to support the invasion.