Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) on October 27 requested the owner of the tanker Agioi Fanendes to change its course, as it is likely carrying a shipment of Russian diesel to the United States. He warned that delivering this shipment would violate federal laws, although a permit had been issued by the Trump administration for this purpose.
Tanker Shipment Details
This tanker, registered under the Maltese flag, loaded nearly 40,000 tons of diesel at the Russian port of Primorsk on October 22. The destination of this tanker has been announced as the Port of New York and New Jersey, with an expected arrival date of November 7.
Legal Consequences and Senator's Requests
Blumenthal, in a letter to the CEO of Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Limited (EASTMED), Athanasius G. Martinous, has requested the return of the tanker Agioi Fanendes and noted that if the tanker intends to unload Russian diesel at the Port of New York, it should refrain from doing so. He also warned the tanker owner that delivering the shipment could have legal consequences for him.
The Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act, passed by Congress in 2022, prohibits the importation of petroleum products originating from Russia, including diesel. However, the Trump administration issued a general permit known as General License 135, allowing transactions related to Russian diesel until April 7, 2027. This has raised a dispute over whether the permit issued by the government can override clear and explicit laws.
Blumenthal stated in this letter that although the Treasury Department issued General License 135, no permit can replace clear and unambiguous law. He also pointed out that only Congress can determine the legal validity of such a permit.
The senator's requests also addressed the need for clarification regarding the companies involved with this shipment and called for detailed information about the seller, buyer, lessor, and insurance providers. The deadline for responding to this request is set for October 31.
