Russian Diesel Tanker Idles as Congressional Pressure Mounts

Senator Richard Blumenthal has demanded that the Athens-based owner recall the ship, citing the 2022 Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act. Blumenthal argues that while the Treasury issued General License 135 to permit such transactions until 2027, the legislative authority remains with Congress, not the executive branch. He has set an October 31 deadline for the company to disclose all parties involved in the transaction, including insurers and terminal operators.

The vessel is not alone in its predicament. Two other tankers, the Leruo and the Talisman, are currently en route to the U.S. carrying similar cargoes, while a fourth is reportedly prepared to depart Russia. Lawmakers have already issued warnings to major banks and port authorities in Houston, Corpus Christi, and New York/New Jersey, cautioning that processing these imports could trigger significant civil and criminal liability. With U.S. ports effectively closing their doors, analysts suggest the Agioi Fanendes may be diverted to Cuba, which faces a severe fuel shortage and has previously accepted Russian oil shipments despite U.S. sanctions.