The Greek navy has extended an advisory restricting ship traffic off the southeastern Peloponnese coast, aimed at deterring ship-to-ship transfers of Russian oil.
As Reuters reports, this move comes amidst international sanctions complicating the trading of Russian crude and oil products, leading traders to seek alternative routes, including offshore transfers. Recent NAVTEX notices for military exercises in the Laconian Gulf area have been issued by Greece, urging vessels to avoid the region, with one issued on May 1st. The advisory, initially set to expire on May 9th, was extended, according to a defense ministry official.
Offshore ship-to-ship transfers have become prevalent in waters around the southern coast and the Laconian Gulf, particularly for tankers carrying Russian oil. Vessels often position themselves beyond Greek waters to evade inspections, posing challenges for Greek authorities. The NAVTEX advisory serves as an indirect deterrent against such activities, Reuters informs.
Further measures are anticipated, with plans to extend maritime advisories for military exercises in the area, potentially pushing away ship-to-ship transfers close to Greek waters.
According to Reuters, this comes amid reports of tankers being stranded near the Laconian Gulf due to U.S. sanctions, exacerbating Russia’s difficulties in shipping oil amidst mounting financial sanctions imposed by Western countries.
