Ongoing Cargo Transfers of Russian Oil Tankers Off Greece Despite Military Drills

Tankers transporting Russian oil continue to conduct cargo transfers off the southern coast of Greece, despite military drills aimed at curbing such activities. Recent ship-tracking data reveals that the supertanker Alma is receiving crude oil from the smaller tanker Sagar Violet in a narrow channel near the Laconian Gulf, where Greek military exercises have been ongoing since May. Sagar Violet is currently carrying approximately 730 000 barrels of Russia’s Urals crude.

Historically, this area has been a hotspot for ship-to-ship transfers of Russian oil, particularly using older tankers. The Greek government has indicated that the drills, which will run until November, are intended to prevent dangerous cargo transfers that pose risks to maritime safety, as highlighted by global shipping regulators.

While the Greek navy’s exercises have successfully reduced the frequency of these cargo switches, they have not completely eliminated them. Transfers of Russian fuel, particularly oil products, continue to occur outside designated military zones.

In July, for example, the vessel Snow Lotus transferred Urals crude to the tanker Narcissus, which subsequently delivered the cargo to India. This transfer took place along the same route as current military operations. Another tanker, Arlan, carrying Urals crude, has recently arrived near the Laconian Gulf and is expected to transfer its cargo to the supertanker Alma.