Greek shipping companies refuse to export Russian oil

Three major Greek shipping companies have stopped transporting Russian oil in recent weeks to avoid US sanctions.

Greek shipping companies Minerva Marine, Thenamaris and TMS Tankers have stopped transporting Russian oil in recent weeks, Reuters writes with reference to traders.

All three companies were active carriers of Russian oil and fuel until September-October, but began to reduce supplies. According to traders who previously worked with them, the companies rejected requests to load ships with Russian oil starting in November, fearing US sanctions.

Read also: The United States imposed sanctions against companies and ships transporting Russian oil.

“The development is a blow to Russia as it narrows the number of shipping companies willing to transport Russian oil to consumers in Asia, Turkey, the Middle East, Africa and South America, although traders said Moscow still has enough shipping firms to this time,” the article says.

It is known that Minerva Marine, Thenamaris and TMS Tankers use more than 100 oil tankers capable of handling almost all oil exports from the Russian ports of Primorsk, Ust-Luga and Novorossiysk – approximately 10 million tons per month or 2.4 million barrels per day. Their fleet of smaller tankers carries fuel.

According to traders and shipping companies, the Russian Federation currently relies on its own shipping company “Sovcomflot” and many little-known companies registered in the UAE, India, Hong Kong, Seychelles, Ghana and other places. The ships fly under the flags of different states – from Liberia to the Cook Islands.