Experts are increasingly concerned about the “dark fleet” oil tanker Chariot Tide due to its erratic behavior in the Mediterranean. Recent tracking data indicates the vessel traveled from northern Russia to the Strait of Gibraltar, where it began signaling “Not Under Command.” This unusual activity included looping movements and low-speed transit, raising questions about its operational status. Analyst Mark Douglas attributes its erratic direction to potential strong winds. A similar tanker, Progress, has also shown irregularities, recently flagged “In Casualty or Repairing.” Both vessels are likely transporting Russian crude oil, with Progress potentially heading towards India or China. Chariot Tide is identified as falsely flagged to Mozambique and operates uninsured, increasing the risk of financial complications in the event of an oil spill. Experts warn that the prevalence of dark fleet vessels poses significant environmental hazards and regulatory challenges, highlighting urgent concerns for maritime safety in this region.
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