An LR2 tanker has managed to discharge Russian crude in India after suffering delays due to engine problems, sources have told Reuters.
The 108,900-dwt Destan (built 2008) had been unable to unload for three weeks at the north-western port of Vadinar, they said.
Five separate sources had told Reuters of technical problems with the ship last month.
The Panama-flagged tanker was carrying 80,000 tonnes of ESPO crude, a light, sweet blend, for refiner Indian Oil Corp.
Berthing was reportedly delayed due to issues with the main engine.
“The tanker has discharged its cargo and is now on its way back,” one source added.
AIS data shows the ship left Vadinar and arrived at Kandla anchorage on Monday.
The Destan had reached Vadinar on July 22 or 23 after leaving the Russian Far East port of Kozmino on 30 June.
The owner, listed as Victory Shipping & Marine in the Seychelles, could not be contacted.
Insurer is not known
The Destan, which is the former Ampleforth, was sold by Fleetscape Capital of the UK in May 2023 for $36m, according to VesselsValue.
Its insurer is not known and it has no port state control detentions on its record.
India has been aggressive in snapping up discounted Russian oil.
According to Bimco, India now sources 40% of its crude from Russia as global oil trading patterns shift following the invasion of Ukraine, up from practically nothing three years ago.
“During the past three months, India has relied on Russia for 40% of its seaborne crude oil import,” Bimco chief shipping analyst Niels Rasmussen said.
“Year to date, volumes have reached an average of 1.6m barrels per day … an increase of 1,000% compared to 2021, before Russia invaded Ukraine.”
Pre-invasion, this oil was largely destined for the US and the European Union, but sanctions led those countries to shun Russian crude. European buyers have switched to Middle Eastern sources.
