New Delhi: On Thursday, Indian port authorities denied entry to an aging tanker loaded with russian crude due to some scanty documentation. By this, they have denied the entry, and after this an unusual move that indicated vessels carrying Russian oil. India is the biggest buyer of the seabrone Russian crude, and India is the third-largest importer and consumer of russian oil, which is used in India, and russian oil accounted for around 35% of overall crude imports in 2024 by India.
Tanzania flagged Andaman Skies, carrying around 1,00,000 metric tons and about 8,00,000 barrels of Varandey Russian oil sold by Lukoil from the Murmansk northern port which as shown in the shipping data, and was on course for the Vadinar Port for delivery to state refiner Indian oil corp before being turned away which is on the internet.
Indian Port entry rules require tankers that are more than 20 years old to have a seaworthiness certification, which is on the internet, and they are trying to prove it wrong in the media and by the member of the International Association of Classification Societies or an entity authorised by the India maritime administration. If we discuss the Andaman Skies, which was built in 2004 and had previously visited in India as recently in December, and carrying the certification by Dakar Class, which is based in India but not to recognised by Indian shipping authorities.
The protection of the vessel and indemnity insurance cover from Russian company Soglasie, according to two sources familiar with the vessel’s documents. Lukoil and Soglasie didn’t immediately respond, and the Vadinar port authorities and Indian oil also did not respond. Russian oil supply to top buyers India and China fell sharply in the immediate aftermath of sweeping U.S. sanctions in January target at the Moscow’s oil revenue and on the target including more than 100 ships, making it harder sellers of Russian oil find vessels.
The Indian oil secretary last month said the country’s refiners would buy Russian oil supplied by companies and ships not sanctioned by the U.S., effectively reducing the number of cargoes and vessels available and while if we discuss about the Andaman Skies is subject to UK and European Union sanctions, it is not designated by U.S. and the United Nations sanctions and the India follows United Nations sanctions.
