Russian oil and gas News

More Russian Insurers Seek Indian Nod for Oil Tanker Coverage

Four new Russian companies have sought India’s approval to provide insurance for crude oil tankers docking at ports in the South Asian nation, according to people familiar with the matter. India’s shipping ministry is considering applications from Sberbank Insurance, which …

German Court to Review Seizure of Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Tanker

A German court will weigh a request to release a seized oil tanker that is believed to be part of a so-called shadow fleet used by Russia to circumvent oil sanctions, Germany’s finance ministry said on Monday. The Panama-flagged vessel, …

Firm Issued Fake Insurance for Russian Oil Tankers, Norway’s Regulator Says

The insurance issued to dozens of aging oil tankers used by Russia to skirt international sanctions was bogus, according to Norwegian authorities now investigating the small firm behind the forged documents. Norway-registered Romarine AS purported to be an insurance provider …

Germany Confiscates Tanker in Russian ‘Shadow Fleet,’ Spiegel Reports

Germany seized a decrepit tanker found adrift off its northern coast in January that is believed to be part of a shadow fleet used by Russia to circumvent oil sanctions, Spiegel news magazine reported on Friday, citing security sources. The …

China State Firms Curb Russian Oil Imports on Sanctions Risks, Sources Say

Chinese state oil companies are shying away from Russian oil this month, with two importers halting purchases while two others scaled back volumes as they assess compliance following recent U.S. sanctions on Moscow, multiple trade sources said. Russian oil supplies …

Oil Tankers Rocked by Mystery Blasts After Trips to Russia

At least four oil tankers have been hit with explosions so far this year — all of them having visited Russia’s territorial waters in the weeks prior to the blasts happening. Nobody has claimed responsibility for the incidents, three of …

India Is Building a Sanctions-Proof Supply Chain for Russian Oil

Oil refiners in India — eager to keep importing cheap crude from Russia — are working with merchants, shippers and other middlemen to rebuild supply chains as tougher US sanctions come into effect. Speaking on the sidelines of India’s flagship …

Russia Emergency Services Work to Prevent Pacific Oil Spill

An emergency response team in Russia’s Pacific port of Nevelsk is preparing to pump out fuel from a Chinese bulk carrier that ran aground over the weekend, according to regional authorities. “So far, weather conditions are preventing divers from inspecting …

Russia Faces Impending Oil Tanker Crisis as Sanctions Pile Up: Bloomberg Oil Strategist

Russia appears to be on the cusp of a debilitating oil-freight transportation problem because of US sanctions, writes Bloomberg oil strategist Julian Lee. On Jan. 10, the US Treasury sanctioned 161 oil tankers for their role in moving Russian oil. …

Denmark to Intensify Scrutiny of Russia Shadow-Fleet Tankers

Denmark will ramp up inspections of ships transporting Russian oil through its narrow straits, in an effort to protect the environment and maritime safety from older vessels in Moscow’s shadow fleet. The Danish Maritime Authority will start conducting so-called Port …