Maritime Bell has reported that the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has recently sanctioned Gemini Marine, a Marshall Islands-based company, along with two of its tankers, for their alleged involvement in transporting Russian and Iranian oil. This step forms part of OFAC’s heightened scrutiny of the shipping industry.
Targeted Vessels and Dark Fleet Expansion
OFAC sanctioned Frunze, a 105,000 dwt tanker flagged in the Cook Islands, and Izumo, a 150,000 dwt tanker registered in Gabon. Gabon’s flag registry, which has expanded significantly with the “dark fleet” activity—vessels that operate with minimal oversight—is notable in this action.
Wider Impact on Global Shipping
The sanctions are part of OFAC’s broader efforts, having recently added multiple crude tankers and Russia’s LNG fleet to its watchlist, signalling intensified regulatory focus on global shipping practices and potentially curtailing untracked oil trading worldwide.
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Source: Maritime Bell
