Oil & Energy
Small Iran-Linked LPG Tanker Tests US Blockade in Arabian Sea, Bloomberg Analysis Says
A small 7,000-cubic-meter tanker linked to Iran tested a US blockade on Tuesday, marking the furthest-reaching Arabian Sea movement since restrictions began on April 13, according to a Bloomberg analysis.Tracking data showed the LPG tanker G Summer broadcast a message from the Arabian Sea on Tuesday indicating it was crewed entirely by Chinese nationals.According to Kpler's data, the vessel's most recent cargo originated from Iran, suggesting the ship is transporting fuel tied to the Islamic Republic, the analysis said.The US imposed a sweeping blockade on April 13, covering Iranian ports, the Gulf of Oman, and parts of the Arabian Sea, significantly restricting maritime activity.While some Iran-linked vessels have entered the Persian Gulf since then, none have ventured as far into the Arabian Sea as the G Summer, according to the analysis.The tanker, which is under US sanctions, is currently signaling Galle, Sri Lanka, as its destination, a common waypoint for ships heading toward East Asia, according to the analysis.US forces intercepted an Iranian cargo ship on Sunday, the first seizure since the blockade was imposed, and have since compelled at least 27 vessels to reverse course or dock back at Iranian ports.The G Summer has a capacity of about 7,000 cubic meters, significantly smaller than typical liquefied petroleum gas cargoes of around 80,000 cubic meters, according to the analysis.Tracking data suggest the vessel made a rapid turnaround near waters south of Iraq, an area known for ship-to-ship transfers involving Iranian cargo, the analysis said.Ownership details remain unclear, with no listed contact information for the vessel's managing company, while its tracking signals may also be manipulated, according to the analysis.