US Weighs Waiver Letting Sanctioned Tankers Carry Clean Oil

· Shipping · United States

The United States is weighing a waiver that would let tankers sanctioned for links to Russia, Iran or Venezuela carry non-sanctioned oil, or be sold to mainstream owners, shipbroker Gibson said in its latest weekly report. Gibson estimates such a move could suddenly boost tanker supply, with roughly 15% of the tanker fleet potentially affected. Sanctioned tonnage has been effectively locked out of mainstream trades, tightening available capacity and supporting freight rates. Releasing that capacity back into the market would add vessels competing for legitimate cargoes, which could weigh on earnings that have been elevated by a constrained fleet and long voyages. No decision has been announced.

Why it matters：Roughly 15% of the tanker fleet sits outside mainstream trades; reopening it would reshape supply and freight rates across crude and product markets and test how sanctions are enforced.

Key points

  • Gibson says a US waiver is under consideration
  • Around 15% of the tanker fleet could be affected
  • Sanctioned ships would carry non-sanctioned oil or be sold

Sources (original reporting)

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