China has banned "shadow tankers" from entering its ports, according to Reuters.
As reported by Ukrinform, this was announced by Reuters, citing three traders.
On Monday, Shandong Port Group issued a notice banning its ports from docking, unloading, or providing ship services to vessels listed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
The operator oversees major ports on China's eastern coast, including Qingdao, Rizhao, and Yantai, which are key terminals for importing sanctioned oil.
In a second announcement on Tuesday, Shandong Port Group added that it expects the ban on shipping to have a "limited impact on independent refineries, as most sanctioned oil is transported on tankers that are not under sanctions."
According to Kpler's vessel tracking system, the province imported about 1.74 million barrels per day of oil from Iran, Russia, and Venezuela last year, accounting for approximately 17% of China's imports.
The ban could slow down imports into China, the world's largest oil-importing country.
As reported by Ukrinform, Andriy Yermak, head of the President's Office, stated that he expects positive decisions regarding Russia's shadow fleet.
The Reuters agency, citing informed sources, reported that President Joe Biden's administration plans to impose more sanctions against Russia, targeting its oil revenues through restrictions on tankers transporting Russian oil.
The Council of the EU on foreign affairs adopted the 15th sanctions package against Russia on December 16, which was previously agreed upon at the ambassadorial level – permanent representatives of EU member states. This sanctions package includes new measures against Russia's "shadow fleet" – additional vessels from third countries engaging in activities aimed at facilitating or supporting actions or policies that promote Russia's war against Ukraine.
The UK government implemented restrictive measures against an additional 18 Russian oil tankers and four LNG tankers on October 17.
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