A Russian crude tanker, the Honduran-flagged Andaman Skies, carrying 767,000 barrels of oil for state-run Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), has been denied entry to the Vadinar port due to documentation issues. The vessel, built in 2004, loaded crude at Murmansk on February 24 and was scheduled to discharge its cargo at the west coast port of Vadinar on March 30. However, paperwork irregularities prevented the ship from obtaining docking approval, according to sources familiar with the matter.

India’s Rising Role in Russian Oil Imports

India has become a major buyer of Russian crude following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. With Western sanctions restricting Russian oil trade, India and China have emerged as key destinations for seaborne shipments. This latest incident underscores the challenges faced by Indian refiners in dealing with Russian crude amid increasing scrutiny from global regulators.

Western Sanctions and the Andaman Skies

The US, UK, and EU have imposed multiple sanctions on Russian oil tankers, with Washington adding dozens of ships to its blacklist in January 2024. The Andaman Skies was not included in the US blacklist, but it has been targeted by British authorities, further complicating its voyage. Western restrictions on Russian vessels have led to frequent disruptions in crude shipments to India.

Ship Remains Stranded in Arabian Sea

As per ship-tracking data, the Andaman Skies is currently in the Arabian Sea, positioned between Oman and India, and appears to have stopped sailing. This delay is expected to impact the supply chain, with refiners having to make alternate arrangements.

Equasis Database and Ship Ownership

The Equasis database lists Durbeen Navigation Ltd. as the ship’s registered owner. However, the company has not responded to requests for comments on the current situation and next steps for the vessel.

Broader Implications for Indian Refiners

Indian refiners, including Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum, have relied on discounted Russian crude to manage costs. However, documentation issues and sanctions-related complexities pose significant challenges for future shipments.

Conclusion

With global scrutiny increasing on Russia’s crude exports, Indian refiners must ensure strict compliance with international regulations to avoid disruptions in oil imports. The case of the Andaman Skies tanker serves as a reminder of the complications faced by Indian ports and oil refiners in navigating Western sanctions.

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