Sanctioned Ship Switches Indian Port After Adani Ban, Data Shows

A sanctioned oil tanker named Noble Walker, carrying roughly 1 million barrels of Russian crude for HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd (HMEL), has switched course to Vadinar port following new restrictions from the Adani Group, according to Reuters. The vessel had initially been destined for Mundra before Adani issued orders banning EU-, UK- and U.S.-sanctioned vessels from its 14 ports, including Mundra.

Another sanctioned vessel, the Spartan (formerly SCF Samatlor), similarly blacklisted by both the EU and UK, discharged 1 million barrels of Urals crude at Mundra on 16 September, according to ShipIntel. The Spartan is managed by Nova Shipmanagement and owned by Citrine Marine.

Policy Shift at Adani Ports Forces Rerouting

The Adani Group’s directive prohibits tankers listed under EU, UK, or U.S. sanctions from accessing any of its port facilities. Agents nominating vessels must now provide written confirmations that their vessels are not under those sanctions. Failure to comply means loss of entry, berthing or port services.

India has become the largest buyer of seaborne Russian oil since sanctions on Moscow’s conflict escalated in 2022, relying heavily on shipments via ports like Mundra and Vadinar. HMEL and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) regularly use Mundra for imports.

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