< p>The Greek navy extended a warning this week that effectively bans shipping off the coast of the southern Peloponnese and the surrounding area in an attempt to prevent ship-to-ship transfers of Russian oil off the coast of Greece, Reuters reported, citing three sources. , writes BTA.
Greece has in recent months issued and extended similar warnings for military exercises off the Laconian Gulf and even further afield, off the island of Kythira, urging commercial and other ships to avoid the area.
The last warning was extended until September 15, 2024
"It is clearly effective in preventing transfers of shipments that should not be transferred," which is the main reason for its extension, one of the sources said.
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, international sanctions have hampered trade in Russian crude oil and oil products, prompting traders to look for "loopholes" for export, including through offshore ship-to-ship transfers.
The waters off the southern coast of Greece and the Laconian Gulf have recently become a collection point for transfers from tankers carrying Russian oil to other vessels.
Greek officials previously said Greek authorities cannot inspect foreign-flagged ships in international waters, and such naval warnings help limit offshore ship-to-ship transfers.