Trust Vessel Reviews and Specifications

**Title: Sanctioned Tanker Engages in Covert STS Operation Amid Gulf Tensions** On March 8, 2026, the Russian-flagged tanker 'Trust', which is currently under sanctions imposed by the U.S., European Union, and the United Kingdom, executed a clandestine ship-to-ship (STS) operation within the territorial waters of Oman. This covert transfer involved an estimated 325,000 barrels of Russian crude oil, previously loaded at the Ust-Luga port, and is estimated to be valued at approximately $29.3 million, based on a crude price of $90 per barrel noted shortly after the operation on March 10. The timing of this operation raises eyebrows, as it unfolded amidst a backdrop of increased military tensions in the Gulf region, particularly following the military actions associated with Operation Epic Fury. The 'Trust' appeared to take advantage of the heightened instability, facilitating the cargo transfer while likely flying under the radar. In a strikingly strategic move, the tanker conducted what experts describe as a semi-dark operation. This meant that while one vessel involved in the transfer broadcast its Automatic Identification System (AIS) signal, the other vessel opted to remain silent. During this period, the 'Trust' anchored and disabled its AIS transponder, claiming to engage in a "prolonged stationary meeting" with another vessel—likely a vessel designed to carry out the anonymous aspect of the cargo transfer. As the geopolitical climate continues to shift in the Gulf, the implications of such operations for international maritime security are profound, highlighting the ongoing challenges of monitoring illicit activities in troubled waters.

The European Union has adopted its newest sanctions package on Dec 16, 2024, at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting, adding 52 new vessels, among them the 'Trust', to the sanctions list that have been deemed by the EU to be supporting Russia’s war machine. The vessels that have been sanctioned are primarily involved in circumventing the oil price cap mechanism implemented by the West, in arms deliveries, and in the transportation of stolen grain. This latest package has brought the total number of vessels sanctioned by the EU to 79. The majority of the vessels are involved in the transport of Russian oil and in transporting arms for the Russian military. The sanctions package also targets a total of 54 individuals and 30 entities that are deemed to be bolstering Russia’s war effort. Among them, there are also entities and individuals in China and North Korea who have been deemed to be supplying Russia with dual-use materials to support Russia’s military efforts. Two senior North Korean officials and seven Chinese individuals and companies have been targeted in the latest sanctions. The purpose of the sanctions has been defined to increase the operational costs for Russia by banning them from ports in the EU and hindering them from receiving maritime services.

The Transsib Bridge ship, which had left Nakhodka loaded with 300,000 barrels of Russian diesel, arrives at the port of Matanzas on Sep 7. The tanker, after passing through the Panama Canal, had docked in Cartagena on Sep 2, which was scheduled, but it did not unload – although it was speculated with a possible transfer of part of the cargo – and updated its schedule, declaring that it was heading to Matanzas. The tanker has been managed since April by Sun Ship Management, a subsidiary of the Russian company Sovcomflot, which has been sanctioned by the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada and has lost Western companies' insurance for its fleet.

The 'Transsib Bridge', carrying 300,000 barrels of diesel from Nakhodka, diverted to Cuba on Sep 2, 2022, after mooring at Cartagena anchorage. The tanker had showed Cartagena as its intended destination after passing the Panama Canal. It later changed course and revised its destination to the Matanzas terminal. Western sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine has restricted the market for its oil. But Cuba has ramped up imports from Venezuela, Russia and other countries to cover a fuel deficit aggravated by a deadly fire at its main oil terminal last month.