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Iran-linked tankers signal Karachi as US blockade resumes
The Rani and the Amil, carrying about 1 million barrels of crude, changed destination signals to Karachi as Washington reimposed its naval blockade, and Pakistan is unlikely to receive a discharge due to sanctions risk.
SCMP Economy reports that two tankers carrying Iranian oil switched their destination signals to Karachi, Pakistan, according to ship-tracking data, an unusual move as the United States reimposed its naval blockade of Iranian shipping.
The Rani and the Amil carry a combined 1 million barrels of crude and were reportedly already outside the Persian Gulf when the blockade took effect, prompting the vessels to seek a place to wait or potentially transfer cargoes rather than unload in Pakistan.
The outlet notes it is unlikely the tankers will discharge cargo in Pakistan because doing so could expose the country to US sanctions, and Pakistan has not imported Iranian crude for at least a decade, based on data cited from Kpler.
SCMP Economy also points out this is not the first time Iran-linked tankers have idled off Karachi during prior periods of US blockade, with empty vessels reportedly staying in the area until the timing to return for fresh cargoes was better.
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