A tanker carrying Russian fuel, presumably bound for Cuba, was spotted off the coast of the United States.
The tanker Sea Horse, which, according to maritime analytics company Windward, is believed to be transporting Russian fuel to Cuba, was spotted on Tuesday off the east coast of the United States. According to MarineTraffic, the vessel was transmitting a signal marked as roaming.
Windward reported that on 7 February, the tanker initially indicated Havana as its destination and sailed under the Hong Kong flag, after which it changed course. Its expected arrival in Cuba was forecast for early March.
The ship subsequently changed its Automatic Identification System (AIS) signal, indicating the Caribbean Sea as its destination for two weeks. Windward noted that this wording is often used to conceal the final port of destination. The destination was later changed to Gibraltar by order, even though the tanker had already passed through the strait, which, according to the company's assessment, is not consistent with normal commercial logistics.
Analysts also believe that the loading took place through a ship-to-ship operation near Cyprus in international waters. During the transshipment, the AIS signal was temporarily turned off. Windward called this a tactic aimed at avoiding regulatory control.
According to the company, on 8 February, the ship's draught increased a few days after leaving the area used for storage and transhipment of Russian middle-grade oil products from Black Sea ports. The tanker had been in this area for about two weeks.
Windward noted that transshipments in the open sea outside territorial waters have become a common practice in the oil trade to circumvent sanctions and controls. The company added that AIS manipulation, offshore transshipments, and vague destination indications are typical features of the shadow fleet that supports Russian oil exports despite US sanctions.
The situation is unfolding amid increased US pressure on fuel supplies to Cuba. On 29 January, President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency regarding Cuba and imposing tariffs on imports from countries that sell or supply oil there.
Cuba is also experiencing an energy crisis, which has worsened in recent weeks after Venezuela stopped supplies in response to US actions in early January. According to The Associated Press, Mexico has also suspended oil supplies.
