Sanctioned tanker Elbus skirts Norway's economic zone on way to Murmansk

The oil tanker Elbus (IMO 9290385) sailed some 200 nautical miles off the Norwegian coast while heading for Murmansk, staying outside the zone where the Barents Ship Reporting System applies, The Barents Observer reports. The outlet says the ship changed its flag from Palau to Cameroon during the voyage, is listed in the EU's 20th sanctions package and lacks protection and indemnity insurance. It names Hong Kong-based Qing Ju Shipping as owner. The tanker's engine room was damaged by an uncrewed surface drone in the Black Sea on 8 January. Norwegian Coastal Administration director Arve Dimmen said similar ships had not responded to enquiries from the authorities.

Correction: The Barents Observer, our source, spells the ship's name Elbrus. The UK and EU sanctions lists record IMO 9290385 as Elbus, the name we now use.

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