ship-to-ship transfers

Iran’s oil exports are increasing after the US sanctions waiver, with over 20 million barrels of crude waiting in Asian waters, a 18% weekly rise. Most cargoes lack confirmed destinations, with many heading to Singapore or indicating possible ship-to-ship transfers in the Malacca Strait. The 60-day relief aims to boost Iran’s revenue and strengthen its economic position in negotiations with the US.

The US military has coordinated the transfer of 90 million barrels of Gulf oil since May using ship-to-ship operations, mirroring Iran's sanctions-evasion tactics. The operation involves tankers disabling transponders and dimming lights to avoid detection while transferring oil near a strait controlled by Iran, with at least 92 ships participating.

China has established itself as a clearing market for sanctioned oil by operating a shadow fleet of aging tankers under foreign flags to acquire crude from U.S.-sanctioned countries. The scheme involves ship-to-ship transfers off Malaysia's coast and document manipulation to obscure the sanctioned origin of oil shipments.