According to reports, Russia has used its so-called “shadow fleet” to conduct a roughly $29.3 million “semi-dark” ship-to-ship oil transfer in the Gulf of Oman, intentionally evading Western sanctions.
Maritime intelligence company Windward AI stated on March 8 that the Russian-flagged tanker M/V TRUST—already blacklisted by the U.S., European Union, and United Kingdom—performed a “high-probability” secret crude oil transfer in Omani territorial waters.
Using an estimated price of around $90 per barrel as of March 10, the transferred cargo was worth approximately $29.3 million.
“The operation’s timing aligned with increased military tension in the Gulf after Operation Epic Fury, indicating the vessel took advantage of regional instability to complete the transfer with less oversight,” Windward noted.
Windward added that the tanker had earlier loaded roughly 325,000 barrels of Russian crude oil at the Russian port of Ust-Luga.
Windward characterized the operation as a “semi-dark” activity—where one vessel sent its automatic identification system (AIS) signal and the other did not.
Per the firm, the M/V TRUST anchored and turned off its AIS transponder while engaging in what it termed a “prolonged stationary meeting” with another tanker, likely facilitating a cargo transfer with an unidentified vessel.
Windward explained that a fully “dark” meeting usually involves both vessels not transmitting, but here only one ship seemed to be broadcasting—creating partial visibility that still hinders tracking efforts.
These tactics are part of a larger strategy by Moscow to keep exporting crude oil despite extensive Western sanctions put in place following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The semi-dark oil transfer occurred amid increased volatility in global energy markets linked to the worsening Middle East conflict and reduced traffic in the Strait of Hormuz due to joint U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran.
CNBC reported that oil surpassed $100 a barrel on March 9 as traders factored in the risk of the conflict disrupting flows through the Strait, which handles roughly a fifth of global supply.
Reuters stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin said on March 9 that Russia—the world’s second-largest oil exporter and holder of the largest natural gas reserves—is prepared to restart long-term energy cooperation with European customers if they decide to come back.
Meanwhile, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday that Russia “should not be involved” in the escalating conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.
His remarks came after reports indicating Moscow might be providing intelligence assistance to Tehran, though the Kremlin has not publicly verified these claims.
Regarding Russia’s semi-dark ship-to-ship cargo transfer amid the ongoing conflict, Windward emphasized “operational blind spots that allow illicit maritime activity to continue mostly unhindered.”