Tanker Carrying Russian Diesel Halts Off U.S. Coast, Shipping Data Shows

By Reuters Nov. 10, 2026 The Malta-flagged tanker Agioi Fanendes. Marinetraffic A tanker ship carrying the first cargo of Russian diesel for the United States has come to a halt off the U.S. east coast, shipping data showed Tuesday, with its operator saying its destination had not yet been decided. U.S. President Donald Trump last month announced a surprise deal with Moscow to import Russian diesel to help lower prices at the pumps ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. The Malta-flagged tanker Agioi Fanendes was loaded with 40,000 metric tons of ultra-low sulphur diesel in Russia’s Baltic port of Primorsk on Oct. 22, LSEG shipping data showed, with an expected delivery date of Nov. 7. But Eastmed, the Greece-based company that manages Agioi Fanendes, said the following week that the ship was proceeding awaiting orders and that a port of discharge had not yet been finalized. “Nothing has changed regarding the vessel’s destination. She is still awaiting orders,” Greece-based vessel manager Eastmed told Reuters on Tuesday. Ships can change their declared destination or revert to “for orders” status more than once during a voyage when a prospective deal falls through, plans change or the operator does not wish to declare its intended destination. Other tankers carrying Russian diesel that had originally signalled the U.S. Atlantic Coast as their destination also later altered course, shipping data showed. Former President Joe Biden had imposed a ban on U.S. imports of Russian oil and petroleum products in 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Trump, in approving the deal last month, waived parts of a new U.S. sanctions law on Moscow and said Russia would immediately export 300,000 tons, or 2.25 million barrels, to the U.S. and global markets, followed by 500,000 tons in November and 1 million tons “immediately thereafter.” New Jersey’s Democratic Governor Mikie Sherrill warned local port officials and terminal operators this month against accepting Russian diesel, saying those shipments would break federal law. Sherrill said importing Russian diesel could expose businesses and individuals using New Jersey ports to “harsh” civil and criminal penalties. Read more about: United States , Energy Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more First Shipment of Russian Diesel Departs for the United States Under Trump Deal The tanker, loaded with 40,000 metric tons of ultra-low sulphur diesel, is expected to arrive in the United States on Nov. 7. 2 Min read Did the Mideast Conflict Just Rescue Russia’s War Budget? Despite the surge in Russian oil prices, analysts caution that this boost in revenues is unlikely to fully reverse Russia’s economic woes. 4 Min read U.S. Senate Passes Bill Banning Russian Uranium Imports “America’s dangerous reliance on Russian enriched uranium must come to an end — our national security depends on it,” said the bill’s co-sponsor... 1 Min read Non-Renewable Energy Saved Texas' Frozen Wind Turbines, Putin Says “They had to use methods that are a far cry from environmental protection to warm the windmills up,” the longtime green energy critic said.