A Russian tanker suspected of delivering oil to Cuba has been detected off the U.S. coast, utilizing deceptive tactics amid U.S. sanctions on Cuban oil imports.
A maritime intelligence firm, Windward, has reported the detection of the Russian tanker 'Sea Horse' off the U.S. East Coast, suspecting it is en route to Cuba while employing deceptive 'dark fleet' shipping tactics. These tactics involve manipulating vessel signals and conducting ship-to-ship transfers to evade detection and sanctions, illustrating a sophisticated method of bypassing U.S. scrutiny.
The situation is exacerbated by the geopolitical climate, as the U.S. has intensified pressure on Cuba by restricting fuel supplies and imposing penalties on third-party countries facilitating oil deliveries to the island nation. This is particularly relevant in the context of U.S. sanctions aimed at Cuba and the recent detention of Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan leader, who is closely tied to Cuban oil imports. The combination of these actions represents a concerted effort by the U.S. to economically isolate Cuba.
Furthermore, tracing the tanker reveals that it had initially indicated Havana as its destination before shifting course, highlighting the evasive strategies employed by vessels in the 'dark fleet.' Windward anticipates that the Sea Horse's expected arrival in Cuba could occur by early March, signaling a continued cat-and-mouse game between maritime security and international oil trade amid rising tensions.
