A Gabon-flagged aframax carrying Russian crude is avoiding the English Channel after being sanctioned by the UK last month.
Bloomberg reported the 105,000-dwt Attica (built 2010) is taking the longer route around the north of Scotland, past the Shetland islands, en route to the Suez Canal.
The vessel loaded 730,000 barrels of oil at the Russian Baltic terminal of Ust-Luga on 23 November. Its destination is showing as Port Said on 19 December.
Bloomberg reported it is likely heading for India.
The tanker appears to have turned north after leaving the Baltic Sea.
This would add two days or 25% to the usual journey through the southern channel between England and France.
The last AIS data showed it east of the Shetlands 13 hours ago.
The vessel is listed as having been owned by Elgon Maritime Corp, in the Seychelles, since February.
The company could not be contacted.
The tanker’s insurer is not known.
First to take northern route
The Attica is said to be the first tanker taking Russian crude from the Baltic to ply the longer route around Scotland since the latest sanctions package was announced.
Its journey to load in Russia took it through the English Channel, but this was before the vessel was sanctioned.
Shipping information seen by Bloomberg indicated the vessel is bound for Vadinar on India’s west coast.
The Attica was one of 30 vessels trading with Russia that were sanctioned by the UK in November.
