Russia transports oil in “short dashes”
According to a service that tracks the movement of oil tankers, in December and November, Russia transshipped about 19 million barrels of oil into the sea. In January, this figure, according to forecasts, consumes a record 14 million barrels.
At the end of last year, the European Union banned the import of all crude oil from Russia and joined the G-7’s decision to cap prices so Moscow could sell its barrels. This leads to a shortage of tankers and a sharp rise in freight prices.
Overloading at sea practically disappeared especially before the ban and the introduction of upper prices. However, this is now the most common way for Russia to deliver crude oil to buyers. Over time, these manipulations help to reduce the cost of freight. As part of the G7 decision, ships involved in transshipping oil can use the savings if the oil they are carrying is sold at a price not exceeding $60 per barrel.
Transshipment from tanker to tanker is a standard procedure, no one hides it from satellite tracking systems. As a rule, this occurs in the region of Ceuta, a Spanish semi-exclave on the northern coast of Africa, as well as in the southern Greek city of Kalamata. In addition, by transferring oil to other tankers, Russia stores its icebreakers where they are most needed – in a cold and windy climate. The farther they swim back, the longer they keep coming back.
Due to the boycott of Russian oil in Europe, a large amount of Urals oil is sent for production to Asia on small tankers. Under these conditions, the demand for tankers is growing, there is not enough for everyone. Accordingly, freight prices are also creeping up, while small tankers are not suitable for increasing oil by large volumes.
At the moment, five supertankers (VLCC) are involved in the transshipment of Russian oil – ships capable of transporting large volumes of oil.
Three tankers seized maneuverability off the coast of Ceuta and sailed for Asia. Two more are waiting in the same Ceuta until at least six Aframaxes arrive, containing about one part of the volume transported by supertankers. They are expected to load oil in the Baltic ports and appear in Ceuta by the end of the month.
Prepared by Profinance.ru by materials Bloomberg agency
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