U.S. Sells Seized Russian-Linked Tankers to Scrap
The US sold two Russian-linked oil tankers, Era and Lileo, which were seized by Americans in January, for scrap metal, according to Reuters citing Lloyd's List.
Consensus
- The U.S. government sold two oil tankers, Era and Lileo, to a Dubai-based company named Global Marketing Systems (GMS) for scrap.
- The tankers were seized by U.S. authorities in January.
- The tankers were reportedly sold based on a court decision.
- The vessels were to be sent to the Alang port in India for dismantling.
- Both tankers were previously linked to Russia and had changed names and flags to avoid detection.
- The U.S. claimed the tankers transported sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran.
Points of divergence
- Marine Traffic data contradicts the claim of sale, showing that the tanker Era is currently sailing to Namibia fully loaded with oil, likely from Venezuela, and Lileo is anchored between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago, also fully loaded. — fontanka
- The owner of the tanker Era is identified as businessman Ilya Bugay from Crimea, and Russian authorities accused the U.S. of unlawful force and violation of freedom of navigation. — tg_moscowtimes_ru
- Insurance companies and service providers showed extreme caution in dealing with the vessels even after official U.S. sanctions and approvals, highlighting ongoing challenges in handling sanctioned ships post-seizure. — riamo
Coverage (3 sources)
- Reuters claims that the US allegedly sold two seized oil tankers to scrap, which are linked to Russia — Фонтанка
- USA sold two seized Russian oil tankers for scrap — The Moscow Times
- USA sent two seized so-called Russian tankers to scrap — РИАМО