A tanker laden with approximately 40,000 tons of Russian diesel departed from Primorsk port on October 22, initially destined for New York. However, it now sails without a clear destination, and industry analysts suggest it might head towards Cuba, a country grappling with severe power outages.
This development was highlighted in an analysis by OilPrice.com on Tuesday, referencing data from Lloyd's List, Kpler, and gCaptain.
The vessel in question, the Agioi Fanendes, sails under a Maltese flag and is operated by the Greek shipping company Eastern Mediterranean Maritime (EASTMED). The ship was scheduled to dock at the New York and New Jersey port on November 7, backed by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control's (OFAC) General License 135, issued on October 9, under the Trump-Putin agreement to export Russian diesel to the United States.
Nevertheless, as of Sunday, the ship was anchored near Skagen, Denmark, with its status changed to "awaiting orders," indicating it lacks a confirmed unloading port in maritime terms.
EASTMED itself acknowledged on Wednesday that the ship's final destination "has not been nominated or finalized yet."
Political Tensions and Legal Concerns
The uncertainty surrounding the ship's course has a clear political trigger. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal sent a letter on Monday to EASTMED's managing director, Athanasios J. Martinos, demanding the vessel be withdrawn if it intends to unload in the U.S.
Blumenthal invoked the 2022 law prohibiting the import of Russian oil and derivatives, warning that proceeding could constitute "an illegal transaction or complicity in one."
He set a deadline for this Saturday for the company to identify the seller, buyer, charterer, insurer, terminal operator, and final distributor of the shipment.
Potential Redirection to Cuba
The Agioi Fanendes is not the only tanker facing this predicament. According to Kpler, two other tankers—the Leruo and the Talisman—are also carrying Russian diesel towards the U.S., with the three shipments totaling 924,000 barrels. All these vessels are sanctioned by multiple Western nations, complicating their access to American ports.
This scenario raises the speculative possibility of a detour to Cuba. The island nation depleted its diesel and fuel oil reserves in May, as admitted by Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy. The Agioi Fanendes' cargo would provide about 25 days of diesel supply for Cuba's electricity generation, based on the minister's statement that the country requires 1,600 tons daily.
However, recent history offers little reason for optimism. The Anatoli Kolodkin was the only Russian shipment to reach Cuba in 2026, docking in Matanzas in late March with 100,000 tons of Urals crude oil. The Cuban ambassador in Moscow acknowledged that this shipment only reduced blackouts for two weeks. Subsequently, two tankers carrying Russian diesel never arrived: the Universal drifted for over 21 days in the Atlantic before heading to Brazil, and the Sea Horse set course for Trinidad and Tobago.
Researcher Jorge Piñón from the University of Texas's Energy Institute noted a clear pattern: "Even the Russians, for some reason, have become wary of the United States and have not entered Cuba."
The Agioi Fanendes paradox lies in the fact that Russian diesel authorized under the Trump-Putin agreement to supply the U.S. market might, if redirected, end up aiding the regime that Washington seeks to pressure through its embargo.
Key Questions About the Agioi Fanendes and Cuban Diesel Supply
Why is the Agioi Fanendes tanker without a destination?
The Agioi Fanendes is currently without a firm destination due to political and legal uncertainties, as U.S. legislation prohibits the import of Russian oil, and there's pressure from U.S. lawmakers to prevent the ship from docking in American ports.
What could happen if the Agioi Fanendes redirects to Cuba?
If redirected to Cuba, the Agioi Fanendes could temporarily alleviate the country's severe diesel shortage, potentially providing enough supply for about 25 days of electricity generation.
What impact has U.S. policy had on Russian oil shipments to Cuba?
U.S. policy and sanctions have made it difficult for Russian oil shipments to reach Cuba, as evidenced by the rerouting of previous tankers and increased caution among Russian operators.