Oil exporters use tactics to evade sanctions and maintain operations

Oil exporters are employing various tactics to evade sanctions and continue their operations, according to recent reports. These methods include disabling Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders, transferring oil ship-to-ship in open waters, reflagging vessels under less scrutinized jurisdictions, and using forged paperwork to conceal identities.

Interestingly, many of these tactics are reportedly tolerated or even facilitated by certain countries that prefer to avoid disruptions in energy markets or rising inflation. This situation reflects a broader trend where nations are reluctant to take actions that could destabilize the current economic landscape.

Recent developments indicate that dark shipping has been a significant factor in the oil trade, with a study revealing that it transported 9.3 million metric tons of oil monthly from 2017 to 2023. This ongoing practice highlights the complexities of enforcing sanctions in the global oil market.

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