The tanker Eugenia Gas returned empty to Santiago de Cuba on Saturday, February 14, after failing to load liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Jamaica, despite arriving days earlier with that intention.
According to Jorge Piñón, a researcher at the University of Texas Energy Institute, who spoke to the independent outlet Diario de Cuba, the vessel is part of the fuel coastal shipping fleet managed by Cubametales, a subsidiary of the military conglomerate GAESA.
The expert noted that the vessel came back following "another attempt" to dock at the Petrojam refinery in Kingston, but was unable to load LPG. This endeavor also "depleted the scarce fuel" required for its operation.
The report highlights that this marks the second unsuccessful attempt by a Cuban vessel to obtain gas in Jamaica within a two-week period. Earlier in February, the tanker Emilia, also tasked with LPG transport, traveled to Kingston's port and returned without loading, as per a previous report mentioned in the article.
Amid these failures, Havana dispatched another LPG tanker, the Gas Exelero, to Willemstad (Curaçao), with an expected arrival on the same February 14, according to the same source.
Piñón also shared insights with Diario de Cuba regarding the petrochemical tanker Ocean Mariner, which – according to social media reports – was intercepted south of Haiti by the U.S. Coast Guard's USCG STONE 758, but later proceeded "without incident."
The expert indicated that the "cargo manifest" appeared to be in order, suggesting the action might have been a warning due to its travel history to Cuba. He speculated that the Ocean Mariner might be heading to the Dominican Republic to sell or offload fuel.
The report underscores that Cuban government vessels, along with any other ships attempting to supply crude oil to the island, are under close scrutiny by the United States.
The article notes that the last confirmed fuel shipment received by Cuba was on January 9, originating from Mexico and transported by the Ocean Mariner. Additionally, Venezuela halted its shipments to the island in December.
Understanding Cuba's Fuel Import Challenges
Why did the Eugenia Gas return empty from Jamaica?
The Eugenia Gas returned empty because it was unable to load liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at the Petrojam refinery in Kingston, Jamaica.
What is the role of Cubametales in Cuba's fuel transportation?
Cubametales is responsible for managing the fuel coastal shipping fleet, which includes tankers like the Eugenia Gas.
How does the U.S. monitor Cuban fuel shipments?
The U.S. closely inspects Cuban government vessels and other ships attempting to supply crude oil to the island to ensure compliance with international regulations.