The anti-nuclear group "United Against Nuclear Iran" (UANI) reported that despite the U.S. government's claim of a 100% effectiveness of the Iranian energy blockade, a number of small tankers carrying liquefied gas (LPG) have successfully crossed this blockade.
Details of Successful Shipments
According to the report, since the blockade was reimposed in mid-July, only 9 small tankers have successfully crossed the U.S. Navy's blockade line and set off for their destinations with shipments of oil or LPG. Jemima Shelly, a senior analyst at UANI, stated that while most ships have been unable to pass through the blockade, there have been a few instances of such successes.
Tanker Sogl and Shipment to China
One of these tankers, Sogl, has been under U.S. sanctions since October. This ship loaded 500,000 barrels of LPG from Assaluyeh in August and then managed to cross the U.S. Navy's blockade line. Reports indicate that this tanker reached Malaysian waters, which is one of the traditional hubs of Iranian shipping activities, and then headed towards China to deliver its cargo. The UANI group has confirmed the entry of this tanker into the eastern port by chartering a supply vessel.
Analysts have noted that no large crude oil shipments have been able to cross this blockade, which somewhat supports the U.S. claim of 100% effectiveness of the blockade. Shelly also pointed out that some LPG shipments are using dangerous ship-to-ship transfer methods to cross the blockade, which is significantly riskier for liquefied gas than for crude oil.
Given the risk of fire or explosion in the event of physical confrontation, LPG tankers may be considered a lower priority for U.S. interventions. While the Iranian energy blockade is generally regarded as an effective measure in limiting the country's exports, these specific instances of tankers crossing raise points about the efficiency and weaknesses of this blockade.
