Image: for representation purpose only
In a recent development reported by ship tracking company TankerTrackers and Indonesian authorities, the MT Liberty, an oil tanker flying the flag of Cameroon, carrying 139,000 tonnes of Venezuelan oil, has run aground in Indonesian waters near the Singapore Strait. The vessel has been stranded near the Riau Islands since December 2, prompting concerns and drawing attention to the growing issue of “dark fleet” incidents in the maritime industry.
This marks the second incident in 14 months where a dark fleet tanker has grounded west of the Singapore Strait, according to TankerTracker’s social media posts. The term “dark fleet” refers to ships or boats operating outside the recognized maritime industry, posing a significant threat to international shipping, as highlighted by the International Maritime Organization.
The MT Liberty, subject to US sanctions since 2015 due to human rights abuses, is transporting nearly a million barrels of fuel oil from Venezuela. These sanctions require ships from sanctioned nations, including Russia, Iran, and Venezuela, to adhere to more stringent safety certifications, insurance, and ownership arrangements.
The vessel’s grounding occurred while attempting to approach the dock of PT Oiltanking Karimun, a business specializing in fuel oil and petroleum products, as per the preliminary assessment. Anro Casanova, commander of the regional naval base, confirmed that the Indonesian Navy has dispatched six tugboats to assist in moving the stranded tanker.
The incident highlights the ethical and environmental concerns associated with dark fleet ships, which are increasingly used by sanctioned nations to transport oil to consumers. The International Maritime Organization has expressed growing concern over the recurring incidents involving such vessels, emphasizing the need for enhanced regulations and measures to address this emerging threat to global maritime safety.
It’s worth noting that this incident adds to a series of similar occurrences throughout the year involving dark fleet vessels, signaling a pressing issue that requires international cooperation and regulatory frameworks to mitigate risks associated with unauthorized maritime activities.
As the situation unfolds, the maritime industry, regulatory bodies, and environmental advocates closely monitor the efforts to refloat the MT Liberty and address the potential repercussions of this grounding on the region’s marine ecosystem.
Source:Marine Insight
