.jpg)
1 hour ago
2
Article content
(Bloomberg) — A tanker believed to be carrying Russian oil to fuel-starved Cuba diverted away, a move that’s likely to worsen shortages on the Caribbean island.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account.
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
- Enjoy additional articles per month.
- Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
- Enjoy additional articles per month
- Get email updates from your favourite authors
Sign In or Create an Account
or
Article content
The ship Sea Horse halted its voyage Wednesday and is now drifting in the North Atlantic Ocean, according to vessel-tracking data. The tanker is likely carrying 200,000 barrels of Russian gas oil, based on shipping analytics from Kpler Ltd., whose lead analyst previously identified the cargo following a ship-to-ship transfer off Cyprus.
Article content
Article content
Article content
The diversion comes as Cuba faces acute shortages of fuel needed to power everything from stoves to buses and homes, leaving much of the country grappling with prolonged blackouts. Available power has fallen sharply since the start of the year, and satellite imagery has shown nighttime light levels down by as much as 50%.
Article content
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Article content
Conditions in Cuba are deteriorating after the US seized a vessel bound for the island last year. President Donald Trump’s naval blockade in the Caribbean has effectively deterred other ships from approaching, while the threat of tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba has led ally Mexico to halt shipments. The Sea Horse had been poised to test US enforcement efforts aimed at cutting off Cuba’s access to imported energy.
Article content
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the US has eased some restrictions by allowing fuel shipments to Cuba’s budding private sector as part of a plan to make the island more reliant on US supplies. The US has also indicated that it is open to issuing specific licenses to companies interested in supplying Cuba with Venezuelan oil.
Article content
The Sea Horse’s decision to turn away follows similar moves by other tankers. Earlier this month, the Ocean Mariner, carrying about 30,000 barrels of Colombian diesel, diverted from Cuba and appears to have discharged in the Bahamas, according to shipping data. US enforcement actions have already resulted in the seizure of at least ten vessels accused of transporting sanctioned oil.
Article content
—With assistance from Lucia Kassai.
Article content
Advertisement 1
English (US)