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Russian oil continues to reach the international market , despite the multiple sanctions imposed by the European Union (EU) and the United States. Vladimir Putin has managed to continue selling his crude oil and, in his new strategy, the port of Ceuta plays a key role. The energy and raw materials expert columnist, Javier Blas, explains it in an opinion article in Bloomberg . In it, he claims that the new world created by the invasion of Ukraine has generated a novel oil trading center: the city of Ceuta . Putin's new strategy to sell Russian oil The circuit drawn from the Kremlin is as follows, explains Blas: Russia loads crude oil on small tankers called Aframaxes at its export terminals in the Baltic Sea, such as Primorsk and Ust-Luga. These ships, reinforced to break the Arctic ice during the winter, transport the crude oil to Ceuta. Near the city, he says, the Aframaxes, which transport around 700,000 barrels, wait until a huge crude oil transporter.
Called VLCC, arrives. Then, the small ones approach the big one and transfer the cargo from ship to ship. Typically, it takes up to 3 such operations to load a VLCC, which can carry at least 2 million barrels. Subsequently, the VLCC begins its journey towards Asia, bordering Africa, the expert points out. 4 possible outcomes that could end the war in Ukraine Since Asia Phone Number List December, 6 VLCCs have done exactly that, taking crude oil from more than 15 Aframaxes. Some of them, he says, "are veterans of the oil black market , having shipped Iranian and Venezuelan crude in the past , according to Vortexa Ltd., a consulting firm that tracks tankers." In this way, Blas points out, Putin uses the calm seas of Ceuta to continue selling Russia's oil, with a stratagem that allows him to "reduce shipping costs, circumvent restrictions and facilitate logistics." Putin's oil , the columnist asserts.
Continues to reach the world market in large quantities, very similar to those before the war. In conclusion: "Yes, the Kremlin has to sell its oil at a discount, but it still sends a lot." Russia does not violate international law by using Ceuta as a center for oil trade Blas makes it clear that Putin is not violating international law in this new Russian oil route , since the oil tankers remain 12 nautical miles from the coast, the limit of territorial waters. Of course, according to data collected by Bloomberg , on some occasions they could have gotten closer. The Russians, the expert adds, also comply with international standards by keeping the ships' beacons on. The main problem, he highlights, is the fact that the ships are old, about 26 years old, and the risk of spills is high. Putin faces a tough 2023 for Russian oil with Western ban and price caps: 3 experts analyze whether measures will work In Blas's opinion, Spain would do well to keep its navy patrolling nearby, making sure nothing goes wrong.
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發表於 16:30:39