According to reports, Russia has utilized its so-called “shadow fleet” for a covert ship-to-ship transfer valued at around $29.3 million in the Gulf of Oman, actively bypassing Western sanctions. Maritime intelligence firm Windward AI noted on March 8 that the Russian-flagged tanker, M/V TRUST, which has already been sanctioned by the U.S., EU, and UK, was likely involved in this undisclosed transfer of crude oil within Omani waters.
With oil prices hovering around $90 per barrel around March 10, the cargo’s estimated worth amounts to roughly $29.3 million. Observers have pointed out that the operation’s timing coincided with heightened tensions in the Gulf due to military escalations following Operation Epic Fury, suggesting that the tanker took advantage of the region’s instability for a less scrutinized transfer.
Windward AI revealed that the tanker had previously loaded about 325,000 barrels of Russian crude oil at Ustiluga port in Russia. Describing the operation as “semi-dark,” the company indicated that one vessel transmitted an Automatic Identification System (AIS) signal while the other did not. They suspect that M/V TRUST halted, turned off its AIS transponder, and sent another unnamed vessel for the cargo transfer while conducting what was deemed an “extended berth meeting” with another tanker.
The firm mentioned that typical “dark” meetings involve both vessels not transmitting, but here, the presence of one transmitting ship created partial visibility, complicating tracking efforts. Such tactics fall in line with the Russian government’s strategy to keep its oil exports flowing despite extensive sanctions imposed after the Ukraine invasion.
This oil transfer occurred amidst increased volatility in global energy markets, closely tied to escalating conflicts in the Middle East and travel restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz due to U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran.
Notably, oil prices surged past $100 a barrel on March 9 as traders reacted to potential disruptions of oil flow through the Strait, which is crucial for global supplies. Russian President Vladimir Putin also indicated on March 9 that Russia, being the second-largest oil exporter, was open to resuming long-term energy cooperation with European nations if they choose to return.
In related statements, Army Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed that Russia should have no role in the escalating tensions among the U.S., Israel, and Iran, following reports of possible Russian intelligence support for Tehran, a claim that remains unconfirmed by the Kremlin.
Windward underscored the operational gaps that facilitate illegal maritime activities, noting that such semi-covert ship-to-ship cargo shipments continue largely uninterrupted amidst ongoing conflicts.
