Iranian ‘ghost fleet’ filmed evading US blockade en route to China, UANI says
Smaller Iranian ghost fleet tankers are slipping past the U.S. naval blockade carrying sanctioned LPG fuel to China via a shadowy Malaysia anchorage.
TL;DR
- Iranian 'ghost fleet' tankers are smuggling sanctioned LPG to China by evading U.S. naval blockades.
- United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) investigators filmed the tanker SOGL making such a journey, highlighting the use of a Malaysian offshore anchorage.
- These vessels employ tactics like disabling Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders and flying false flags to avoid detection.
- The Malaysian Eastern Outer Port Limits Anchorage (EOPL) is a key hub for Iran's sanctioned energy trade, enabling ship-to-ship transfers and offshore services.
- Despite the U.S. blockade's success in stopping crude oil exports, smaller tankers are finding ways to breach restrictions, with China being the primary destination for Iranian exports.