Buyers resembling Iran and China are utilizing vessels often known as “ghost fleets” to cover unlawful exports of Iranian oil, in response to open supply knowledge. These vessels use techniques resembling disabling GPS monitoring units, transferring oil between tankers in transit, and “flagging” between totally different nationwide flags to keep away from detection.
“As you recognize, it has been bipartisan coverage of the United States for many years to deprive Iran of the funds and assets it makes use of to fund worldwide terrorism. It not solely threatens our nationwide safety, however can also be firmly linked to transnational felony exercise and terrorism in our hemisphere. Therefore, we are going to work with the United States to make sure that Iranian oil shouldn’t be transported in violation of U.S. sanctions. “We urge you to conduct an investigation of a major variety of Panama-registered vessels which were accused of
“As of December 2023, the nonprofit group Anti-Nuclear Iran (UANI) has recognized 383 vessels suspected of belonging to the ‘ghost fleet,’ of which 189 (49%) are Panamanian-flagged. ” The particular vessels are listed within the appendix to this letter. “AMP has to date deflagged solely 28 of the 217 vessels of concern,” they continued.
The senators additionally mentioned AMP had not taken due care in warning of potential ghost ships, and that such practices may very well be used to bypass U.S. sanctions on Russian oil. He additionally expressed concern.
“We have completely investigated the alleged involvement of those 189 vessels in transporting sanctioned Iranian oil, eliminated the flags of vessels whose involvement was supported by out there proof, and can take away the flags of such vessels sooner or later. We respectfully request that you just observe our established procedures for refusing to fly your flag once more and lengthening the identical.” I hooked up it.
The full letter may be considered right here.