The US has begun sending confiscated “shadow fleet” tankers for disposal

The United States has begun to transfer old tankers seized as part of its efforts to combat sanctions against Russia, Iran, and Venezuela for disposal.

Splash 24/7 reports.

At the beginning of the year, the US military and the US Coast Guard detained seven vessels linked to Venezuela. Among them was the Russian Marinera, formerly the Bella 1. After that, the shipbreaking company GMS applied to the US authorities for a license to purchase the seized vessels for their further disposal.

In May, the US Treasury Department allowed GMS to purchase and convert four separately sanctioned vessels. These were the first permits of this type. GMS believes that disposal allows it to permanently decommission old vessels of the “shadow fleet” and reduce the risks associated with their technical condition and lack of proper insurance.

The US has also faced the high cost of maintaining seized vessels. In particular, the cost of the 2005 Skipper tanker, which was detained in December, exceeded its value as scrap metal.

According to GMS, with the appropriate licensing mechanism in place, the company could dispose of more than 100 “shadow fleet” vessels each year.

Earlier, Trump announced the “complete demining of the Strait of Hormuz” and US control over it.