The U.S. Coast Guard has stopped a ship that was transporting fuel to Cuba after an international enforcement operation discovered large amounts of fuel hidden in the ship's ballast tanks.
On Friday, the Coast Guard announced that a law enforcement team boarded the M/V Grace in the Caribbean Sea in early September while it was heading towards Cuba.
The Coast Guard suspects that the ship was using methods linked to what is known as the “dark fleet,” a term used for vessels that engage in deceptive practices to hide their ownership, movements, or cargoes.
This action is part of what seems to be an unofficial U.S. maritime fuel blockade against Cuba.
After boarding, the Coast Guard escorted the Grace to Progreso, Mexico, where a Mexican Navy team found significant amounts of fuel stored in the ship's ballast tanks. There were also several containers on the vessel believed to contain illegal fuel, according to the Coast Guard.
The agency did not reveal the amount or type of fuel discovered, nor did it provide details about the ship’s ownership, flag, or who the recipients in Cuba were meant to be.
The Coast Guard noted that storing fuel in ballast tanks poses additional environmental risks since these tanks are not designed for carrying petroleum cargo.
“Illicit fuel shipments violate international law and pose serious environmental dangers in the Caribbean Sea,” stated Vice Adm. Nate Moore, the Coast Guard's deputy commandant for operations.
The operation involved the cutters Alert and Charles Sexton, an HC-144 surveillance aircraft, Tactical Law Enforcement Team South, and personnel from the Coast Guard Southeast District.
Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday emphasized that the Coast Guard will keep targeting vessels engaged in deceptive shipping practices.
“The high seas are not a place for lawlessness,” Lunday said. “Those who use deceptive tactics for illegal activities will face justice.”
This interception follows the earlier boarding and detention of the M/V Jaira Provider, which the Coast Guard also reported was transporting illegal fuel to Cuba.
The Coast Guard stated that these operations are part of a larger effort involving U.S. agencies and international partners to target illegal maritime activities related to dark fleet vessels, stateless ships, and those that do not comply with international standards.
These operations are carried out in accordance with international law and in cooperation with flag and port state authorities.