The Gas Exelero tanker is once again en route to Cuba following unsuccessful attempts to load liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Curaçao and its subsequent journey to Kingston, Jamaica, in search of fuel.
Recent maritime traffic reports place the vessel in the Caribbean, heading towards Cienfuegos, a critical port for LPG reception on the island.
Registered under the flag of the Marshall Islands, the tanker had previously spent a mere nine hours in Willemstad on February 15, without engaging in loading operations, as energy expert Jorge Piñón confirmed to CiberCuba at the time. The ship departed with the same draft it had upon arrival: 4.2 meters.
Currently, several monitoring platforms indicate the tanker's storage levels range from 96% to 98% of its total capacity, sparking speculation over whether it managed to load fuel in Jamaica.
However, the reported draft remains at 4.2 meters, the same as when it left Curaçao. For vessels of this nature, a significant increase in cargo is typically reflected in a deeper draft, raising technical questions about whether the tanker truly managed to load nearly 3,000 metric tons of LPG.
As of now, there is no independent confirmation that the Gas Exelero successfully completed a loading operation in Kingston.
The ship's return occurs amidst escalating pressure on Cuba's energy supply, characterized by failed attempts by tankers in the Caribbean and a fuel crisis affecting both electricity services and household access to cooking gas.
If the Gas Exelero failed to secure a supply in Jamaica, uncertainty over LPG availability could persist, directly impacting millions of households relying on this resource for cooking amidst increasingly frequent blackouts.
Impact of Gas Exelero's Voyage on Cuba's Energy Supply
Why is the Gas Exelero's journey significant for Cuba?
The Gas Exelero's journey is crucial because its ability to secure LPG affects Cuba's energy supply, impacting domestic cooking and electricity services amid a fuel crisis.
What are the implications of the Gas Exelero returning empty?
If the Gas Exelero returns empty, it could prolong LPG shortages, exacerbating the energy crisis and affecting millions of Cuban households that depend on this resource.