Sanctioned Russian Tanker Slips Through UK Waters En Route to US
The Leruo, blacklisted by the UK and EU, loaded 40,000 tons of diesel at Primorsk and is set to dock in New York on.
Russia has resumed diesel exports to the United States and other nations following the recent lifting of U.S. sanctions, a move that Moscow views as both a diplomatic win and a crack in Western support for Ukraine. The decision not only provides Russia with fresh revenue to sustain its war efforts but also exposes divisions between the U.S. and its European allies, as the UK and EU maintain their own restrictions on Russian fuel imports.
The Sierra Leone-flagged tanker Leruo, loaded with 40,000 tons of diesel at Russia’s Primorsk port on October 16, is expected to arrive in New York around November 7. Despite remaining on UK and EU sanctions lists, the vessel has so far evaded interception. On October 24, its AIS signal showed it approaching waters near the Shetland Islands, likely passing through the UK’s Exclusive Economic Zone without challenge.
Sanctioned Tanker’s Uninterrupted Voyage Raises Questions: Russian
While the ship’s exact route remains unclear, its unobstructed transit suggests potential gaps in enforcement. The UK has not confirmed whether Royal Navy assets were available to intercept the vessel, leaving open the possibility that logistical constraints played a role in its unimpeded passage.
The Leruo is not the only vessel taking advantage of the eased sanctions. Two other tankers, the Maltese-flagged Agioi Fanendes and the Palau-flagged Dolunay, also loaded diesel at Primorsk in recent weeks. The Agioi Fanendes, carrying a similar cargo, initially signaled New York as its destination but has since updated its status to “for orders” leaving its final port uncertain. Industry sources suggest Morocco may also be resuming Russian diesel imports.
Russia Expands Diesel Exports Under Relaxed Restrictions
Meanwhile, the Dolunay, which completed loading on October 16, is set to arrive in Alanya, Turkey, on November 1. Ankara has announced plans to restart Russian diesel purchases, citing cost advantages that have led to reduced output at domestic refineries.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has stated that exports could reach 3.5 million tons per month (875,000 barrels per day) by year’s end, nearly doubling the volume initially agreed under the U.S.-Russia deal. The surge in shipments underscores Moscow’s efforts to exploit the partial lifting of sanctions, securing new markets while deepening rifts among Western allies.
Sign up free to ask CAMAL AI for a summary, the key points or anything else about this story.
Related stories
CAMAL AI
Financial Ports Newsletter
The maritime economy, every morning
Ports, shipping and freight markets in one short email. Free.
