UKRAINE WAR: Indian tanker, SUNNY LIGER with Russian oil stranded in North Sea as Sweden, Rotterdam, Amsterdam refuse entry

By Eyo Nsima

An Indian tanker, SUNNY LIGER, with a commercial quantity of Russian oil, has been stranded in the North Sea as Sweden, Rotterdam and Amsterdam refuse entry.

This has affected supply and worsened the ongoing instability in the global oil market.

In its latest update, FleetMon, stated: “According to Amsterdam dockers unions, SUNNY LIGER won’t dock at Amsterdam, because all the companies which serve arriving ships refuse to provide services to the tanker, starting with tugs. As of 1600 UTC Apr 30, the tanker remained in the same position, anchored in the North sea.

“Tanker SUNNY LIGER with a cargo of oil loaded at Primorsk Russia, was rejected by Sweden, not by Swedish authorities though, but by Gothenburg dockers, who refused to handle the ship.

“Strictly speaking, tanker according to sanctions imposed on Russia, falls under “exceptions” section of sanctions, but nevertheless.

“Tanker sailed to the Netherlands, but again, Rotterdam dockers union refused to work with Russian cargo, and SUNNY LIGER had to move to Amsterdam outer anchorage in North sea, arriving there late April 29.”

It added: “Decision on the hapless tanker is to be made in the morning Apr 30, during a special meeting. So tanker as of Apr 30, is hanging around in Kattegat and North sea for some 6 days already, looking for a chance to get rid of “toxic” Russian oil.”