The Rise of Shadow Tankers in Global Oil Trade

In a world where shadowy vessels transport sanctioned oil with impunity, the recent catastrophic explosion of the oil tanker Pablo in the Malacca Straits serves as a stark reminder of the grave risks posed by this clandestine trade. This article delves into the harrowing incident, the proliferation of shadow tankers, their environmental and economic perils, and the urgent call for global action. The guardian source.

• The Pablo explosion in the Malacca Straits highlights the dangers of shadow tankers transporting sanctioned oil.
• The growing shadow tanker trade poses environmental and economic threats due to ship-to-ship transfers of sanctioned oil.
• Governments and the shipping industry must address this crisis before more accidents occur and further harm is done to the environment and global economy.

The Pablo’s Fiery Catastrophe

Early in May, the oil tanker Pablo faced a catastrophic explosion in the Malacca Straits, revealing the risks posed by shadow tankers transporting sanctioned oil.

The Rise of Shadow Tankers

Shadow tankers, hidden behind shell companies and often operating without insurance, have been on the rise, transporting sanctioned oil from Iran to global hotspots, defying international sanctions and regulations.

The Environmental and Economic Threat

Experts warn that these shadow vessels pose a grave threat to the environment and global economy. Ship-to-ship transfers of sanctioned oil, often in hazardous conditions, increase the risk of oil spills with devastating consequences.

The Call for Action

Despite the dangers, governments have struggled to curb this illicit trade, citing challenges in identifying and regulating sanctions busters. As shadow tankers continue to ply the seas, industry insiders, governments, and companies are urged to recognize the gravity of the situation and take action before more lives are lost and environmental disasters occur.

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Source-theguardian

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