US to let investors buy sanctioned tankers and return them to legal trade
The United States plans to allow investors to buy sanctioned tankers and bring them back into legal trade. Chris Wright puts the so-called dark fleet at about 1,600 vessels.
The United States plans to let investors purchase sanctioned oil tankers and return them to legal maritime trade, according to a report published by Euromaidan Press on 22 October 2026 that cites remarks by Chris Wright.
Wright estimates the size of the so-called dark fleet at about 1,600 ships. The term refers to sanctioned tankers operating outside legal trade. The report says each vessel would need US approval before being moved over to legitimate commerce.
Terms not specified
Wright did not spell out the terms on which such purchases and approvals would be allowed. The published information does not say how buyers would be vetted, what requirements the vessels would have to meet, or when the new arrangement could take effect.
