A tanker carrying crude oil from Rosneft has anchored off China’s eastern coast after a protracted journey, raising concerns over disrupted supply flows to the world’s top oil importer. The delay underscores growing volatility in global crude logistics.
- 1.2 million barrels of Urals-grade crude carried by Rosneft tanker MV Krasnoyarsk arrived at Ningbo anchorage after 42-day voyage.
- Brent crude (BZ=F) rose 1.4% to $87.30 per barrel; WTI (CL=F) climbed to $84.65.
- Rosneft (RNFTY) shares declined 0.8% amid delivery reliability concerns.
- China’s crude imports reached 11.4 million bpd in 2024, making supply stability critical.
- Transit time was nearly double the typical 23-day route from Russian Far East to China.
- Refiners may shift to Middle Eastern or U.S. crude sources due to delivery uncertainty.
A Rosneft-branded crude oil tanker, carrying approximately 1.2 million barrels of Urals-grade crude, arrived at a designated anchorage near the port of Ningbo on December 8, 2025, after a 42-day voyage from Russia’s Far East. The extended journey—nearly double the typical transit time—followed multiple reroutings due to geopolitical and logistical constraints. The vessel, identified as the *MV Krasnoyarsk*, was en route to serve a Chinese state-owned refiner but has remained at sea since arriving, awaiting port clearance. The delay has implications for short-term crude prices, with Brent crude futures (BZ=F) rising 1.4% to $87.30 per barrel on the news, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (CL=F) climbed to $84.65. The disruption comes amid tightening global oil market dynamics, with Asian demand recovering faster than expected. Rosneft’s shares (RNFTY) dipped 0.8% in early trading, reflecting investor concern over delivery reliability. The anchoring event highlights growing challenges in Russia’s energy export logistics. Despite steady output, Russian crude shipments to Asia have been affected by port congestion, insurance hurdles, and vessel availability. China, which imported over 11.4 million barrels per day in 2024, remains highly sensitive to supply anomalies. The situation may prompt refineries to seek alternative sources, potentially boosting demand for Middle Eastern and U.S. crude. Shipping firms and energy traders are reassessing risk exposure, particularly for vessels navigating the Arctic route or transiting through the Malacca Strait. The incident also underscores the vulnerability of long-distance crude supply chains to geopolitical and operational shocks.