The Adani Group has barred vessels subject to sanctions by the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union from docking at its ports, according to an order reviewed by Reuters. The move is intended to protect the group’s legal and commercial interests at a time when international shipping is under increasing scrutiny.

The directive stated, “To safeguard the legal and commercial interests of the Port, we hereby emphasize that sanctioned vessels are not accepted.” It also instructed that vessel agents must provide a written undertaking confirming that their ships are not subject to sanctions before being allowed entry.

The decision comes against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and US-imposed tariffs on Russian crude sales, which have led to tighter monitoring of oil shipments. India has been among the largest buyers of discounted Russian crude, much of which is carried by vessels sanctioned by Western nations.

Adani’s Mundra Port plays a key role in India’s crude imports, serving Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL)-Mittal Energy’s Bathinda refinery and multiple refineries operated by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC). Both companies have frequently received Russian oil shipments through this port, according to the Reuters report.

Following Adani Ports’ directive, IOC is exploring alternative arrangements to source Russian crude from ports that continue to accept EU- and UK-sanctioned vessels, the report added.

News source: Business Standard