- Satellite Images Contradict Official Tracking Data.
- Evidence Points to Possible Transfer of Restricted Cargo.
- Vessel Engaged in Spoofing to Evade Detection.
A liquefied natural gas tanker tied to a sanctioned export operation is reportedly playing hide-and-seek with its location, as satellite data analysed by Bloomberg News reveals. While official tracking shows the vessel has been hanging out off Malaysia’s eastern coast for the past week, satellite images taken between October 28 and November 2 tell a different story; it’s not actually there, reports gCaptain.
Evidence Suggests Sanctioned Cargo Transfer
Earlier satellite images from October showed the same tanker parked next to another vessel that was transporting LNG from a blacklisted Russian facility. The close positioning hinted at a ship-to-ship transfer, suggesting that the tanker might have been taking on sanctioned cargo.
Spoofing Tactics to Evade Detection
As of now, the vessel’s exact location is a mystery. Falsifying position signals, commonly known as spoofing, is a tactic often employed by ships in the so-called “dark fleet” to hide their movements from international monitoring systems and dodge sanctions enforcement.
Russia Expands LNG Exports Despite Sanctions
Even with ongoing Western restrictions, Russia is still on the hunt for new buyers for its liquefied natural gas. A recently sanctioned export project started sending shipments to China in late August, highlighting Moscow’s determination to keep its energy exports flowing despite increasing trade barriers.
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Source: gCaptain
