Shadow Fleet: Iran's Clandestine Oil Transfers Near Malaysia's Waters
Iranian-linked tankers exploit jurisdictional gaps to conduct ship-to-ship transfers of sanctioned oil near Malaysia, sparking allegations from advocacy group UANI. The transfers occur outside Malaysia's territorial waters, using false identities and aging vessels to evade U.S. sanctions, significantly involving Iran's shadow fleet destined for China.
Devdiscourse News Desk | Kualalumpur | Updated: 13-05-2026 20:59 IST | Created: 13-05-2026 20:59 IST
Malaysia's maritime agency denied ignoring illicit activities by Iranian-linked tankers conducting ship-to-ship oil transfers near its waters. Advocacy group UANI claims Malaysia's relaxed stance facilitates illegal activity, with oil likely heading to China.
The contested transfers involve Iran's old tankers or 'shadow fleet,' utilizing disabled tracking systems and fake identities to sidestep sanctions. Operating beyond radar coverage, these activities exploit gaps in jurisdiction.
Despite international concerns, Malaysia insists the operations occur outside its direct control areas, complicating enforcement. Requests for comments from the Iranian Embassy and the US State Department remain unanswered.
(With inputs from agencies.)
- READ MORE ON:
- Iran
- Malaysia
- tankers
- oil
- transfers
- sanctions
- UANI
- China
- shadow fleet
- South China Sea
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