Greece extends naval advisory to deter Russian oil transfers in Laconian Gulf

Greece has extended a naval exercise advisory covering the Laconian Gulf, off the south-eastern Peloponnese, in a move aimed at discouraging ship-to-ship transfers of Russian oil, according to Reuters. The first NAVTEX notice was issued on 1 May and was due to expire on 9 May before being extended on 8 May. Reuters reports that Greek authorities cannot inspect foreign-flagged ships in international waters beyond six nautical miles, so the drills serve as an indirect deterrent. A government source told the agency that unless a vessel flies the Greek flag, "your hands are tied". Four tankers became stuck near the gulf in April after US Iran-related sanctions, Reuters adds.

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