The tanker PVT Azura (IMO 9423683), flying the flag of Vietnam, departed from St. Petersburg on October 15 and is expected to arrive at the port of Norfolk, Virginia on November 2. This shipment includes 109,000 barrels of Russian diesel and is likely the first of its kind to reach the United States after three years.
Analysis of Russian diesel shipments
This shipment comes just a few days before another Russian diesel cargo arrives in the United States. The second shipment, the tanker Agioi Fanendes, which is flying the Maltese flag, loaded at the Baltic port of Russia on October 22 and is heading towards New York. This shipment includes 40,000 tons of ultra-low sulfur diesel equivalent to 300,000 barrels, with an expected arrival date in New York on November 7.
Impact of government policies on energy imports
The U.S. government has recently eased restrictions on Russian diesel imports. This move is aimed at addressing rising fuel prices ahead of the midterm elections on November 3. On October 9, President Donald Trump announced an agreement under which Russia will immediately supply 300,000 tons of diesel to the United States and global markets, with this amount expected to reach 1 million tons in the coming months.
In this context, the U.S. Department of the Treasury issued General License 135, allowing transactions related to the sale and import of diesel originating from Russia until April 7, 2027. Additionally, Trump issued an executive order on the same day that lifted sanctions and tariffs.
The tanker PVT Azura is recognized as a regular tanker belonging to PetroVietnam Transportation Corporation and has a history of carrying Russian petroleum products. This vessel has previously visited several ports this year.
It is reported that PVT Azura will not go to the commercial port of Norfolk but will be directed to one of the facilities related to U.S. military operations. The exact unloading location and final destination of the cargo have not yet been independently confirmed.
