Working Conditions Aboard the Xanthos-Eos

In an intriguing turn of events, the non-governmental organization Transparencia Venezuela has reported the surprising arrival of the sanctioned tanker 'Xanthos Eos' at the key José Antonio Anzoátegui Cryogenic Complex, a significant crude oil export terminal operated by PDVSA. This incident occurred on September 3, 2025, as the vessel, listed under sanctions by the United States, European Union, and the United Kingdom, surfaced in Venezuelan waters without prior registration on the list of authorized vessels. This unexpected appearance has sparked concern regarding the transparency of maritime operations, particularly regarding tactics employed to bypass international sanctions affecting PDVSA. The situation highlights a broader pattern of opacity within the Venezuelan oil sector and complicates the tanker’s ability to operate in formal markets, significantly impeding the legal sale of Venezuelan crude oil. Notably, as of September 5, the 'Xanthos Eos' is securely moored at position 10° 12' N 064° 53' W.

On January 5, 2025, the tanker 'Mermar' made headlines as it docked at the Longkou port in Yantai, marking a significant moment by unloading Russian oil amidst new U.S. sanctions. This delivery marks the first instance in Shandong province since the recent penalties were enacted. The vessel, carrying an impressive 80,000 metric tons (approximately 600,000 barrels) of Russian ESPO Blend crude, had previously loaded in the Port of Kozmino on Russia's east coast on January 6. The Shandong region is known for its numerous independent refineries, which have been ardent importers of Russian crude. Observers in the industry are keenly watching the developments, particularly how the sanctions will be enforced moving forward. While the regulations include a grace period for cargoes loaded before January 10 and unloaded by March 12, some shipments have been paused as the industry weighs potential risks. The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has identified 'Mermar' as having visited a Russian port where oil prices have consistently exceeded the $60 per barrel cap set by Western nations, aimed at limiting Russia's oil income. The 'Mermar' is part of Russia's shadow fleet, designed to bypass sanctions, and is owned by the Merluza Group, which is also subject to the new sanctions. Operational management of the tanker falls under Hong Kong's Ocean Anemone Shipmanagement, while insurance is provided by Balance Insurance from Russia. Previously, the vessel had been insured by New Zealand's Maritime Mutual until May 2025 but switched to a different insurer in November 2024. Prior to the sanctions, the Shandong Port Group had prohibited U.S.-sanctioned tankers from accessing its ports in eastern China. Notably, there are 183 vessels on the U.S. sanctions list, 68 of which are registered under Panama's flag. The Maritime Authority of Panama (AMP) has recently announced the cancellation of registrations for those vessels flagged by the OFAC, adding another layer to the evolving narrative surrounding maritime trade and international sanctions.

Three oil tankers, carrying a combined 270,300 tons of crude oil, find themselves drifting off the coast of China due to the latest sanctions imposed by the United States against Russia. This new sanctions package, enacted by Washington last week, is significantly impacting Russian oil exports. The Chinese port of Shandong, a vital hub for oil imports, has enacted a policy prohibiting the docking of vessels affected by US sanctions. Among the tankers stranded are the 'Huihai Pacific', 'Mermar', and 'Olia'. Their fate remains uncertain as they hover offshore, unable to dock. Notably, the 'Mermar' departed from the Russian oil port of Kozmino on December 1, 2024, and has been anchored at coordinates 37° 46' N 120° 10' E since January 11, 2025.