Iranian ‘ghost fleet’ filmed evading US blockade en route to China, UANI says

Iranian ‘ghost fleet’ tankers are successfully evading U.S. naval blockades to smuggle sanctioned liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to China, utilizing a maritime hub off Malaysia. UANI investigators covertly filmed one such vessel, the SOGL, highlighting tactics used to bypass U.S. restrictions, including turning off tracking systems and using false flags. The Malaysian Eastern Outer Port Limits Anchorage serves as a critical staging ground for these operations, allowing for offshore transfers and services, and facilitating Iran’s energy exports despite sanctions.

• Iranian ‘ghost fleet’ tankers are smuggling sanctioned LPG to China by evading U.S. naval blockades.
• United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) investigators filmed the tanker SOGL making such a journey, highlighting the use of a Malaysian offshore anchorage.
• These vessels employ tactics like disabling Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders and flying false flags to avoid detection.
• The Malaysian Eastern Outer Port Limits Anchorage (EOPL) is a key hub for Iran’s sanctioned energy trade, enabling ship-to-ship transfers and offshore services.
• Despite the U.S. blockade’s success in stopping crude oil exports, smaller tankers are finding ways to breach restrictions, with China being the primary destination for Iranian exports.