Indian refiner Nayara Energy Ltd. has carried out one of its first ship-to-ship fuel transfers since being hit by European Union sanctions, in an apparent effort to maintain exports despite mounting restrictions, Bloomberg reported.
Ship-tracking data and satellite imagery reviewed by Bloomberg show the vessel Tempest Dream transferring a gasoline cargo to the larger tanker Wu Tai in waters off Oman on Thursday. The transfer site, a common hub for such operations, is frequently used to mask the origin of shipments.
The Tempest Dream, which departed from Nayara’s Vadinar terminal in western India, was carrying over 360,000 barrels of gasoline before the operation, according to Vortexa data cited by Bloomberg. Post-transfer readings show the vessel riding higher in the water, while Wu Tai now holds roughly 460,000 barrels and has capacity for more.
Nayara — 49% owned by Russia’s Rosneft PJSC — was sanctioned by the EU on July 18, leading to reduced refinery runs amid difficulties securing feedstock. Fuel exports already en route before the sanctions have also struggled to find buyers, with one shipment diverted to China earlier this week after a month-long search for a purchaser.
Both vessels involved in the transfer carry sanction histories: Tempest Dream, previously named Unite, was blacklisted by the UK over its role in the Russian oil trade, while Wu Tai is sanctioned by both the UK and EU.
An email to Nayara seeking comment, sent outside of business hours, was not immediately answered, Bloomberg said.
