Fuel Shipments from South Korea to Russia via Sanctioned Tankers
It has been revealed that over 176,000 tons of fuel were transported from South Korean ports to Russia in July and August, with some of these shipments carried out using sanctioned tankers.
While the war in Ukraine continues, it has been determined that more than 176,000 tons of fuel, mostly diesel, were shipped from South Korean ports to Russia. These shipments, which also utilized sanctioned tankers, are being criticized by experts.
Port and Vessel Tracking Data
A total of 14 voyages were made from South Korean ports to Russia's Far East region in July and August.
As a result of the analysis of port records and vessel tracking data, it was determined that over 176,000 tons of fuel were transported on these voyages using seven tankers.
Sanctioned Tankers and Transfers
It was established that three of the tankers carrying out the shipments were on the sanctions lists of the UK and the European Union.
It was also detected that one of the tankers received its cargo in South Korean waters via a ship-to-ship transfer method.
Expert Assessments and Reactions
Isaac Levi, an analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, stated that it was surprising for sanctioned tankers to transport fuel from South Korea to Russia.
Levi expressed that this situation both undermines the sanctions regime and contradicts South Korea's support for Ukraine.
South Korea's Foreign Policy Balancing Act
While providing humanitarian and non-lethal aid to Ukraine, South Korea is also striving to balance its relations with Russia.
While the country's administration avoids direct shipments of lethal weapons, the current fuel trade does not appear to violate South Korean laws.
Russia's Import Ratios
According to data from maritime analytics firm Kpler, state-controlled companies such as Rosneft and NNK are among the buyers.
In August, Russia imported 368,000 tons of petroleum products by sea, with South Korea accounting for 31% of this amount.