Dozens of oil tankers have anchored near China, Russia, and other regions following new US sanctions on Russian oil firms, affecting over 180 vessels and major energy companies like Gazprom Neftegaz and Surgutneftegaz.
The US sanctions, announced on January 10, targeted Russian oil companies and more than 180 vessels engaged in delivering Russian oil. This move has significantly impacted maritime traffic, with at least 65 oil tankers now anchored in various locations worldwide.
| Region | Number of Tankers Anchored |
|---|---|
| Near Chinese Ports | 5 |
| Off Singapore | 7 |
| Baltic Sea & Far East | Numerous |
The findings, based on data from MarineTraffic and LSEG ship tracking platforms, highlight the immediate repercussions of the sanctions. The halted tankers reflect a broader disruption in global oil trade, particularly for Russian exports.
The sanctions aim to cut off revenue streams for Russian energy giants like Gazprom Neftegaz and Surgutneftegaz, key players in Russia’s oil industry. This is part of the US’s broader strategy to weaken Russia’s economic foothold amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Chinese state-owned oil companies have also shifted their purchasing strategies in light of these sanctions. They are now sourcing crude oil from the Middle East and other regions, wary of potential supply disruptions stemming from sanctions against both Russia and Iran.
