During bunker procurement, a vessel’s operations team came across an attractive deal at a secondary port. At first glance, the supplier seemed legitimate and the price was competitive; a seemingly ideal stem.
However, a subsequent review revealed potential links between the supplier and sanctioned entities. While the fuel itself met quality standards, the transaction exposed the operator to regulatory and commercial risks that could have been avoided with proper sanctions checks.
This highlights a crucial point: in today’s shipping environment, compliance is not only about fuel quality or sulphur content, but also about adhering to international sanctions regimes. Overlooking this dimension can jeopardise contracts, partnerships, and market access.
Sanctions have reshaped global bunker supply chains. Deals that appear cost-effective can conceal exposure to restricted suppliers, intermediary vessels, or poorly vetted brokers.
The number of sanctioned vessels has surged from approximately 370 in mid-2020 to nearly 1,650 by mid-2025, while affected companies have increased from 60 to nearly 500. This rapid growth reflects how closely shipping operations are now intertwined with global sanctions monitoring.
Failing to consider sanctions does not usually result in immediate vessel detention, but it can have serious repercussions like:
Non-compliance is not simply a procedural issue; it can affect operational freedom and long-term commercial viability.
GeoServe, integrates sanctions awareness into every bunker decision:
In today’s complex market, price alone does not guarantee safe bunker procurement. A sanctions-compliant approach provides confidence to charterers, financiers, and partners, showing that every transaction is transparent and auditable.
Success means knowing precisely where your fuel comes from, who is involved in each transaction, and how every stem aligns with global sanctions frameworks. With GeoServe, operators can optimise procurement decisions while safeguarding against regulatory, commercial, and reputational risks.
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