Two tankers with Russian diesel bound for US change course
An analyst says two of three ships have been rerouted and the third may divert because of regulatory and legal issues.
Two tankers carrying Russian diesel that had been destined for the United States changed course, a development that has raised questions about whether an energy arrangement linked to Donald Trump and Moscow is unraveling while U.S. fuel inventories continue to fall.
Met Smit, a trade-intelligence analyst at Kpler, told reporters that "two of the three Russian diesel vessels bound for the United States are now being rerouted to other destinations."
According to vessel-tracking details, the ship Leruo, described as Hong Kong–owned and Sierra Leone–flagged, altered its AIS signal to indicate Brazil as its destination. The tanker Talisman, which is sanctioned and sails under the Russian flag, has been redirected toward the Algerian coast.
Possible further diversions
Smit also warned that the third tanker, Agioi Fanedes, which is Greek-owned, is likely to change course "due to regulatory and legal issues."
Observers say the moves complicate shipments of Russian refined products to the U.S. market. The reroutings come as U.S. fuel stocks are reported to be declining, a factor that had been cited in discussions about potential commercial arrangements involving Moscow.
It remains unclear whether the diversions are temporary operational decisions or reflect a broader shift in how Russian diesel is being traded and routed internationally. Tracking services and traders will be watching the tankers' next port calls closely.
Photo: Marin trafik)
