US Senator Threatens Greek Tanker Owner Over Russian Diesel Cargo

A U.S. senator has issued a direct warning to a Greek shipping company over a tanker carrying Russian diesel to American shores, arguing that the delivery would violate federal law despite government authorization.

The dispute involves the Malta-flagged Agioi Fanendes (IMO 9798375), owned by Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Limited (EASTMED). The vessel loaded 40,000 metric tons of diesel at Russia’s Primorsk port on October 22 and declared its destination as the United States.

In a letter to EASTMED, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) stated that unloading the cargo in the U.S. would constitute an illegal transaction. He cited the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act of 2022, which prohibits Russian energy imports, including diesel, unless Congress and the president certify an end to the war in Ukraine, a condition not yet met.

“Should the Agioi Fanendes arrive and discharge its cargo, you would be engaged in an illegal transaction or aiding and abetting it.”

Richard Blumenthal·U.S. Senator

The senator dismissed the Treasury Department’s General License No. 135, which permits transactions involving Russian diesel until April 2027, arguing that no executive action can override the 2022 law. “No such license can supersede clear, unambiguous law,” he wrote.

Blumenthal demanded EASTMED provide details about the cargo’s seller, purchaser, charterer, insurer, and terminal operator, as well as any guidance the company received from Treasury regarding sanctions compliance.

Broader Scrutiny on Russian Energy Shipments: Russian Diesel

Two other tankers that recently left St. Petersburg with declared diesel cargoes for North America are believed to be carrying Russian-origin UAN fertilizer, which is not subject to sanctions. TankerTrackers.com, a vessel monitoring service, assessed that these shipments likely contain fertilizer rather than fuel, complicating enforcement efforts.

The Agioi Fanendes remains under scrutiny as the legal dispute escalates. While the White House maintains that the imports are permitted under the Treasury license, critics argue that only Congress can authorize exceptions to the 2022 ban.

“I’m sending a sledgehammer message to shipping companies whose tankers are transporting illegal Russian diesel to our ports. Reverse course while there’s still time.”

Richard Blumenthal·U.S. Senator

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