US, UK and others are trying to target illegal oil transport

Member states including the US, UK, Australia and Denmark have requested greater international action against the unregulated oil transfers at sea that are on the rise, revealing their concerns over the potential for pollution. The issue of these transfers, which have led to the rise of “ghost” tankers to transport oil from countries impacted by Western sanctions and restrictions including Iran and Russia, will be discussed at a forthcoming meeting of the Marine Environment Protection Committee at the International Maritime Organization. The tankers involved are using tactics including turning off tracking transponders and conducting ship-to-ship operations outside authorised transfer zones.
 
The paper, put forward by countries that include Canada, Spain and Ukraine, noted that the fraudulent practices used in the oil trade not only weaken the rules-based international order but also represent “a serious threat to the safety of international shipping, including the safety of the crew members”. The states also stated that increased surveillance is necessary to counter the rise of these opaque trades, and that flag states should boost their inspections of the vessels. Ship insurer West said that it would provide cover for STS operations under controlled conditions, including “no geographical variation” and the use of a qualified mooring specialist.


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