Info:
GAS SELLAN, the operator (and owner) is reported as FGAS Petro Co, according to VesselsValue’s database. The lack of AIS and the conspicuous at-sea encounters involving the LAUREN, the GAS SELLAN and the CROWN, now called Paula — let’s assume more devious intentions. The behaviour fits a general pattern increasingly displayed by China recently to import US-sanctioned Iranian oil, helping to finance the Islamic Republic;
FGAS Petro is an energy and shipping firm that owns the Golden Amor bulk carrier, which uses the Ahlone International Port Terminal in Yangon, a terminal owned by the Burmese military, responsible for a bloody crackdown this spring on unarmed protesters in the country, seeing hundreds killed;
VesselsValue’s intelligence shows the company operates as GAS SELLAN’s technical and ISM (International Safety Management) manager;
19 — 21st of April, 2020: After the Lauren’ (IMO number 9249685) enters the Middle East Gulf on 19th April 2020, with a draft of 5.5 meters, it vanishes. The gap in AIS signal records takes around two days to resolve, between April 19 and April 21. Then, when signalling resumes, it heads towards Dubai, in the opposite direction. The vessel now miraculously increases its draft to 6.9 meters on April 21 compared with April 19. Satellite images suggest that the 20-year-old LPG tanker docked at ASALUYEH port, in Iran, while dodging AIS radar screens, loaded LPG and returns to the UAE EEZ (satellite images corroborate this) to meet the Vietnamese LPG vessel GAS SELLAN. March 23rd, 2020: During the period of a bit more than a day, the two ships are spotted to linger side by side. Open source Sentinel 2 satellite images also show them floating seemingly motionless, peer-to-peer in open waters. Shortly after, on the 24th, the two ships depart from the area. The Lauren, heading north-west, is lighter and draft records show that the GAS SELLAN increased its draft after the meeting. The GAS SELLAN enters the Persian Gulf with a draft of 5.4 on 20th April 2020. It signals Dubai as a destination. After anchoring off the coast, it leaves the Middle East Gulf on the 24th with a draft of 6.8, indicating it may have just accepted some new cargo. What cargo we can’t say for sure. Now it signals to be heading to Weifang, China;
Profits from oil sales support the IRGC’s full range of nefarious activities, including the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, support for terrorism, and a variety of human rights abuses, at home and abroad;
According to the U.S. Treasury Department – Individuals and entities engaged in certain transactions involving petroleum or petroleum products from Iran or certain Iran-related persons on the SDN List should be aware that engaging in such conduct may result in designation or other sanctions under U.S. sanctions authorities unless an exception applies. Those who knowingly engage in significant transactions for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petroleum or petroleum products from Iran — or knowingly provide significant support to an Iranian person on OFAC’s List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN List), such as the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC), and the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) — are at serious risk of being targeted by the United States for sanctions, regardless of the location or nationality of those engaging in such activities. Further, persons providing bunkering services to vessels transporting petroleum or petroleum products from Iran risk being subject to sanctions unless an applicable waiver or exception applies.The United States continues to take strong action to deny the Government of Iran funds derived from the illicit exportation of petroleum or petroleum products from Iran;
Industry:
Shipping Industry
Also Known As:
FGAS PETROL JOINT STOCK COMPANY
FGAS Petro Co
FGAS Petro Company
CONG TY CO PHAN DAU KHI FGAS
FGAS PETROL., JSC
Country:
Vietnam
Address:
No. 36, Lane 294, Kim Ma Street, Kim Ma Ward, Ba Dinh District, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
Reason for the color:
» Iran’s new dark-shipping tactics to export gas to Asia;