India seized shadow fleet tankers: the reason is different

The Indian Coast Guard seized three tankers that were transshipping oil from side to side. The authorities said that the vessels were doing this outside the territorial waters of the country in order not to pay fees.

"The Coast Guard stopped the international oil smuggling network during a carefully coordinated sea and air operation. The criminal group used oil transshipment in international waters to transport cheap oil from conflict—ridden regions and transshipment to tankers, evading payment of duties to coastal states," the Indian agency reports.

They said that a thorough search, electronic data verification and interrogation of the crew revealed a pattern of actions and a global network of intermediaries: "Vessels known for their frequent name changes are going to Mumbai for further legal action."

The seizure of three tankers occurred 100 miles from Mumbai. According to TankerTrackers.com we are talking about Al Jafzia, Asphalt Star and Stellar Ruby. The vessels are under US sanctions and were transporting Iranian oil.

"The vessels carried out a complex route connecting the well—known regions of transportation of Iranian oil - anchorages at Basra and Khor Fakkan — with ports on the west coast of India," writes Maritime Executive.