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Three tankers carrying Russian diesel are heading to the United States under a deal between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. One of the vessels is under international sanctions, the Financial Times reports.
The first vessel expected to arrive is the Greek-flagged Agioi Fanendes, carrying 40,000 tonnes of Russian diesel. It is due in New York on November 7. If the shipment is unloaded successfully, it will be the first delivery of Russian fuel to the US since July 2023.
The second vessel, the 20-year-old Russian tanker Talisman, is expected to reach the US East Coast on November 9. The FT did not specify its exact destination.
The third tanker, Leruo, is owned by a Hong Kong company and sails under the flag of Sierra Leone. It departed St. Petersburg on October 17 and is expected to arrive at a US port on November 11. The vessel is under sanctions imposed by the European Union, the United Kingdom and Canada.
Together, the three tankers are carrying around 140,000 tonnes of fuel — enough to cover only a few hours of total US domestic consumption.
Shipping activity and risks to the deal
According to shipbroker Clarksons, the number of tankers calling at Russian Baltic Sea ports has reached a two-year high following the agreement between Trump and Putin.
However, analysts say Russia may struggle to supply the full volume of diesel reportedly envisaged under the deal.
Further shipments could also be disrupted if Ukraine resumes strikes on Russian oil refineries and export terminals.
Trump and Putin recently held talks that reportedly resulted in an agreement to supply Russian diesel to the US and global markets.
Under the arrangement, the US Treasury Department issued a temporary licence suspending certain sanctions restrictions and allowing Russia to begin export deliveries.
