Russian Oil Tanker Denied Entry In India Due To Inadequate Documentation

The Indian port authorities have refused entry to the Tanzanian-flagged oil tanker Andaman Skies on March 27, 2025, due to inadequate documentation, per sources.

The tanker carrying 100,000 metric tons (around 800,000 barrels) of Russian Varandey crude, was on its way to Vadinar Port for delivery to Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) before it was turned away.

Indian port regulations mandate that tankers older than 20 years must have a seaworthiness certification issued by a classification society recognised by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) or an organization authorised by India’s maritime authority.

The Andaman Skies, built in 2004, was certified by Dakar Class, an India-based classification society that is not recognised by Indian shipping authorities.

This led to port authorities refusing entry, even though the tanker had previously entered Indian waters as recently as December 2024.

India, the world’s third-largest oil consumer and importer, is also the largest buyer of Russian crude transported by sea. In 2024, Russian oil made up around 35% of India’s total crude imports.

However, Western sanctions on Russian oil have complicated shipments, leading to closer scrutiny of vessels and suppliers.

The tanker Andaman Skies has been sanctioned by the UK and the EU, but it is not under US or UN sanctions. India follows only UN sanctions, but recent actions indicate that the country is exercising strict measures when it comes to Russian crude shipments.

Since January 2024, the US imposed strict sanctions on more than 100 Russian oil tankers, making it harder for Russian oil suppliers to secure compliant vessels for deliveries.

India’s oil secretary recently stated that Indian refiners would only purchase Russian oil from non-sanctioned companies and vessels. This policy has limited the number of available ships and cargoes.

Indian refiners usually buy Russian oil on a delivered basis, meaning the seller is responsible for arranging shipping, insurance, and other logistics. The Andaman Skies had insurance coverage from the Russian company Soglasie, but this did not help in securing its entry.

Per data, US crude exports to India reached 357,000 barrels per day in February 2025, up from 221,000 bpd in 2024.

Lukoil, the seller of the oil and Soglasie, the Russian insurance provider, did not provide any comment. The Vadinar port authorities and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) also did not respond to the inquiries.

References: Reuters, Oil Price

Source: Maritime Shipping News