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U.S. Senator Calls Out Greek Shipowner Over Cargo of Russian Diesel

Agioi
File image courtesy VesselFinder / Lounes Mehdid

By The Maritime Executive 2026-10-28 19:31:09

In recent years, tanker owners have grown used to government scrutiny and complex compliance requirements. Tanker movements are in the crosshairs in multiple "hot zones" around the world, as geopolitical actors have realized that energy cargoes are both economically vital and physically vulnerable when under way. This week, a Greek shipowner based in Glyfada is receiving more scrutiny than most: a senior U.S. senator has sent a letter to the owner of a tanker carrying Russian diesel, warning that any delivery of the fuel to U.S. shores would be an illegal act - even though the White House says otherwise.

The vessel in question is the Agioi Fanendes (IMO 9798375), which took on a cargo claimed to be diesel at Primorsk, Russia this month. On departure, she left the Baltic and headed west, declaring her destination as "USNY." 

In a letter, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) wrote directly to a well-known Greek shipowner who owns Agioi Fanendes, and advised him that the delivery of the cargo would be unlawful. 

"Should the Agioi Fanendes [arrive] and discharge its cargo, you would be engaged in an illegal transaction or aiding and abetting it," wrote  Blumenthal.  

Like earlier warnings from Congress, Sen. Blumenthal's letter cites the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act of 2022, which banned all Russian energy products from the United States. Waiving the Act would require the consent of Congress and the president's certification that the war in Ukraine is over - circumstances which have not yet occurred. Critics of the diesel deal suggest that since the Act has not been waived, Russian fuel imports are therefore against the law, a point which the senator reiterated. 

"We recognize that the Treasury Department issued General License No. 135 which [purports] to authorize transactions for Russia's diesel exports, but no such license can supersede clear, unambiguous law," Sen. Blumenthal wrote. "Neither could any executive action unilaterally override statutory letter and intent." 

Blumenthal requested the shipowner provide detailed information on the cargo, including the seller, purchaser, charterer, insurer, and terminal operator. He also asked for details on what direction the tanker owner had received from the Treasury Department, which oversees sanctions compliance.

Two other tankers departed St. Petersburg with claimed diesel cargoes in the same timeframe, also headed for North America. TankerTrackers.com assesses that despite public claims, these two ships are actually carrying Russian-origin UAN fertilizer, a substance not covered by sanctions and fully authorized for import into the United States.

Top image: VesselFinder / Lounes Mehdid