A Dark Fleet tanker, Res Ccogitans, loaded with 600.000 barrels of heavy fuel oil, is adrift outside the 12 nautical miles, in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) south of Gran Canaria. The situation highlights the lack of control and naval intelligence in the region, as the identity of the ship's owner and the circumstances that have led to this situation are unknown. This fleet is characterized by opaque ownership structures and the use of multiple flags of convenience in short periods of time. This practice has existed for years, especially in trade with Iran and Venezuela, but has become a much bigger problem since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as Russia uses these vessels to avoid sanctions and sell oil to its allies.
The Dark Fleet refers to a fleet of vessels operating clandestinely or evading international controls. These vessels often disable their automatic identification systems (AIS) and employ deceptive navigation practices, such as GNSS manipulation, identity forgery and location alteration, to transport crude oil, chemicals and other liquid cargo. The presence of the Dark Fleet tanker, loaded with 600.000 barrels of heavy fuel oil, adrift in the waters south of Gran Canaria, has raised alarm bells about control and security in the region. Despite the seriousness of the situation, it seems that Las Palmas does not care.
The lack of information about the ship's owner and the circumstances that have led to this situation highlights the lack of control and naval intelligence in the region. The situation is particularly worrying due to the potentially devastating impact that such an accident could have on tourism, one of the main sources of income for the Canary Islands. Maritime authorities must take urgent measures to address this situation and ensure the safety of Canary waters. The presence of these vessels on the DarkFleet route represents a time bomb for tourism in the Canary Islands, and it is crucial that action is taken to prevent any incident that could negatively affect the region.
The tanker, bound for Suape, Brazil, had an estimated time of arrival of 8 March at 19:00 hours, six days from now. South of Maspalomas, the vessel is currently sailing at a speed of 0,2 knots. Its navigation status is “underway”. Technically, the vessel is as if stationary. The vessel, identified with IMO 9283679 and MMSI 538002622, sails under the flag of the Marshall Islands and has a call sign V7KI2. With a length of 228 metres and a beam of 32 metres, the tanker left the port of Las Palmas Anch., Spain, on 28 February at 12:29 UTC, two days ago. The presence of this tanker in the EEZ without an identified owner and with an uncertain destination raises serious concerns about the safety and management of navigation in the region. Maritime authorities are on alert and are expected to take measures to address this situation and ensure the safety of Canary Islands waters.
