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About 40 miles east of the Malaysian peninsula is the world’s largest gathering point for “dark fleet” tankers, where billions of dollars worth of Iranian oil is allowed to be shipped to China each year.
According to a Bloomberg report, the export of smuggled oil in the first nine months of 2024 amounted to about 350 million barrels, with revenues estimated at more than $ 20 billion.
According to seven people familiar with the matter who work in the oil industry, shipping, or maritime security, most of the vessels present are from Iran.
It is possible that some ships operating in this area are not affiliated with the Dark Fleet, but maritime security experts and multiple ship captains said there is no clear reason for legitimate operators to carry out transport operations far from the coast, where are risks and supplies. costs are high.
Other risks
Maritime security experts say this diverse group of vessels, carrying oil with little inspection, means that potentially dangerous and environmentally dangerous spills are few and far between. time
Legitimate ship owners are also concerned about the dangers to their fleets from large numbers of unsecured “dark” ships passing through busy waterways with their transponders often turned off, this making them difficult to find, for example at night or in a storm, the risk of collision increases.
While the Chinese Foreign Ministry defended its trade with Iran and described it as legal pressure, international pressure on China and Tehran is expected to increase under the next US administration.
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About 40 miles east of the Malaysian peninsula is the world’s largest gathering point for “dark fleet” tankers, where billions of dollars worth of Iranian oil is allowed to be shipped to China each year.
According to a Bloomberg report, the export of smuggled oil in the first nine months of 2024 amounted to about 350 million barrels, with revenues estimated at more than $ 20 billion.
According to seven people familiar with the matter who work in the oil industry, shipping, or maritime security, most of the vessels present are from Iran.
It is possible that some ships operating in this area are not affiliated with the Dark Fleet, but maritime security experts and multiple ship captains said there is no clear reason for legitimate operators to carry out transport operations far from the coast, where are risks and supplies. costs are high.
Other risks
Maritime security experts say this diverse group of vessels, carrying oil with little inspection, means that potentially dangerous and environmentally dangerous spills are few and far between. time
Legitimate ship owners are also concerned about the dangers to their fleets from large numbers of unsecured “dark” ships passing through busy waterways with their transponders often turned off, this making them difficult to find, for example at night or in a storm, the risk of collision increases.
While the Chinese Foreign Ministry defended its trade with Iran and described it as legal pressure, international pressure on China and Tehran is expected to increase under the next US administration.
#Irans #oil #defies #sanctions.. #report #exposes #dark #navy
2024-11-21 07:49:00
**To what extent are the economic interests of China and the geopolitical goals of the United States playing a role in the continued operation and growth of Iran’s Dark Fleet?** (This question encourages analysis of the interplay between economic and political motivations.)
## World-Today News Interview: Iran’s Shadowy Oil Trade
**Welcome to World-Today News. Today, we delve into a highly controversial topic: the clandestine network of tankers known as the “Dark Fleet” and its role in transporting Iranian oil to China, defying international sanctions.**
Joining us today are two experts:
* **Dr. Amelia Lawson,** a Professor of International Relations at the University of Cambridge, specializing in energy security and sanctions enforcement.
* **Captain Robert Tanaka,** a retired maritime security consultant with over 20 years of experience navigating international waters.
Let’s begin with an overview.
**Section 1: The Rise of the Dark Fleet**
* **Dr. Lawson,** could you elaborate on the concept of “Dark Fleet” and its significance in the context of global oil trade? What makes this network so different from traditional shipping operations?
* **Captain Tanaka,** from your experience at sea, what are the telltale signs that a vessel might be part of this clandestine network?
* What are the primary factors contributing to the emergence and growth of the Dark Fleet, and how does it impact legitimate shipping lanes and operations?
**Section 2: Economic and Political Ramifications**
* **Dr. Lawson,** Bloomberg reports estimate that Iranian oil exports through the Dark Fleet have generated over $20 billion in revenue. What are the geopolitical implications of this continued trade, especially considering the sanctions imposed on Iran?
* How does this practice affect the global oil market and prices? What are the potential consequences for consumers and oil-producing nations?
* **Captain Tanaka,** you mentioned concerns about increased risk of collisions due to the presence of these untracked vessels. Could you elaborate on the broader safety implications for mariners and the environment?
**Section 3: The Future of the Dark Fleet**
* **Dr. Lawson,** the United States has previously attempted to curtail Iran’s oil exports through sanctions. What measures could be taken to effectively disrupt the Dark Fleet operations?
* Are these efforts likely to succeed in the face of seemingly continued Chinese demand for Iranian oil?
* **Captain Tanaka,** looking forward, do you foresee any technological advancements or regulatory changes that could mitigate the risks associated with the operation of such unregulated fleets?
**Concluding Remarks**
The clandestine network of the Dark Fleet highlights the complex interplay of economics, geopolitics, and maritime security. It raises critical questions about the effectiveness of sanctions and the need for international cooperation to ensure responsible and transparent oil trade.
Thank you, Dr. Lawson and Captain Tanaka, for sharing your insights on this highly relevant and complex issue.
We encourage our viewers to share their thoughts and perspectives on this topic in the comments below.
