A tanker carrying Russian diesel that had been heading towards the United States has changed course approximately 400 nautical miles off New York, adding to uncertainty over whether Russian fuel supplies will reach the North American market.
The Agioi Fanendes, carrying around 40,000 metric tonnes of ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD), equivalent to nearly 300,000 barrels, began moving away from the US East Coast after initially signalling New York as its destination. Since Monday, the vessel has reportedly been sailing in a zigzag pattern, according to port reports and vessel-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.
The tanker departed Russia’s Baltic port of Primorsk in late October and initially indicated New York as its destination before changing its status to “for orders”. Its vessel manager, Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Ltd., said the ship was still proceeding for orders as the discharge port had not yet been confirmed.
The vessel’s movements are being closely monitored following an agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump last month under which Russia agreed to supply diesel to the United States and global markets. The arrangement was reportedly aimed at easing fuel prices ahead of the US midterm elections.
However, the proposed deal has faced political criticism in the United States, with Democrats arguing that purchases of Russian fuel could provide additional revenue to Moscow to finance its war in Ukraine. So far, no Russian diesel cargo has reached the United States, according to vessel-tracking data.
Russia had earlier announced that four tankers had been loaded with diesel destined for the US under the agreement, according to Interfax. However, questions remain over the country’s ability to fulfil its export commitments amid continued Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.
Since the beginning of November, six Russian refineries have reportedly come under attack, with a combined design capacity of approximately 1.7 million barrels per day, according to Bloomberg estimates.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said in late October that the country was targeting diesel exports of more than two million tonnes to global markets in November. However, he acknowledged that Ukrainian attacks on refineries could affect the availability of export supplies.
The tanker’s change of course highlights the continuing uncertainty surrounding Russian fuel exports, the implementation of the proposed US-Russia supply arrangement and the potential impact of geopolitical tensions on global energy trade.