Feb 22 • 16:00 UTC 🇪🇨 Ecuador El Universo (ES)

Oil tanker arrives in Cuba: Could represent a small relief for the energy crisis

An oil tanker has docked in Cuba, which may provide some relief amid the country’s ongoing energy crisis.

An oil tanker has newly arrived at a Cuban port in the Bay of Matanzas, specifically close to the energy logistics port of the city. The vessel is 183 meters long and reportedly partially loaded, but details about the type of fuel and how long it will last remain uncertain. The ship, flying the flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and with a capacity exceeding 300,000 barrels, was navigating without an automatic identification system, making it difficult to track its last port of call or determine its position.

This arrival is particularly significant against the backdrop of Cuba's ongoing energy supply pressures. The tanker, identified as 'Nicos I.V.,' is not sanctioned by Washington despite being under 'active surveillance' for a previous environmental offense and its past ties to the so-called energy bridge between Venezuela and Cuba. This raises questions about the implications of receiving fuel from such a source, especially in light of the challenging geopolitical landscape surrounding these nations.

The situation may indicate a small respite for Cuba, as the country grapples with patently crippling energy shortages that have impacted its economy and daily life. The arrival of the vessel could potentially alleviate some of the acute energy supply issues, albeit temporarily, until a more sustainable and stable solution can be pursued.

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