Oil Fuels War: Greenpeace USA Takes To The Water As Tanker Carrying Russian Oil Arrives In New York

by Tyler Kruse

March 22, 2022

The oil and gas companies that are responsible for our skyrocketing gas prices are the same companies that are fueling conflicts and death around the globe.

Russian Fossil Fuel Protest in New York

Greenpeace USA activists bear witness to tanker carrying Russian oil in New York waters just before the end of a 45 day grace period from President Biden

March 22, 2022 – Two Greenpeace USA boats protested the New York City arrival of a 50,000-ton oil tanker carrying an estimated $34M worth of Russian fossil fuel products, in turn, financing Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine. The activists held up signs that read Oil Fuels War.

Anusha Narayanan, climate campaign director at Greenpeace USA said: 

“The history of oil is war. The oil and gas companies that are responsible for our skyrocketing gas prices are the same companies that are fueling conflicts and death around the globe. A more peaceful, livable, and equal future depends on breaking our addiction to volatile and conflict-driven fossil fuels. True energy independence can only come from renewable energy. We need an all-out mobilization to build renewable energy in the U.S. and around the world. President Biden must start by using the Defense Production Act to ramp up the delivery of renewable and energy efficient equipment to Europe.”

On March 8, President Biden banned imports of Russian oil and gas. As of this morning, Greenpeace USA is aware of at least 12 tankers that left Russian ports that have either arrived in or are actively headed to the United States. These tankers will arrive before President Biden’s ban goes into effect due to a 45 day grace period.

  • NORSE ANTWERP (bulk carrier) is currently at the Port of Wilmington, NC, arrived on 3/18
  • MINERVA VIRGO (oil/chemical tanker) is currently at port in New York City, arrived on 3/22
  • VILAMOURA (crude oil tanker) is currently anchored off of Delaware City
  • KRONVIKEN (crude oil tanker) is currently anchored off of Houston
  • JAG LYALL (crude oil tanker) is currently anchored off of Long Beach, CA
  • RIVERSIDE (crude oil tanker) is reporting destination as St Charles, FL, ETA 3/22
  • DUBAI BEAUTY (crude oil tanker) is reporting destination as Corpus Christi, TX, ETA 3/23
  • DALI (oil products tanker) is reporting destination as Port of Southwest Pass, LA, ETA 3/28
  • BEIJING SPIRIT (crude oil tanker) is reporting destination as Philadelphia, PA, ETA 3/28
  • MINERVA ELLIE (crude oil tanker) is reporting destination as St Charles, ETA 04/02
  • BALLA (crude oil tanker) is reporting destination as Los Angeles, ETA 04/03
  • IRIDESCENT (crude oil tanker) is reporting destination as Delaware City, ETA 04/06

While the tanker came from a Russian port and is carrying Russian fossil fuel products, it is sailing under the flag of Greece.

In response, Alexandra Mesare, program director of Greenpeace Greece said:

“We call on the Greek government and all Greek businesses to urgently move away from using and handling fossil fuels.”

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Photos and videos: https://media.greenpeace.org/collection/27MDHUHAJZHG

Follow Greenpeace UK’s Russian Tanker Tracker (@RUTankerTracker) for updates on oil and gas carrying supertankers leaving Russian ports.

Media contact:
Tyler Kruse, Greenpeace USA
[email protected], 808-741-2791

Tyler Kruse

By Tyler Kruse

Tyler Kruse is a senior communications specialist with Greenpeace USA covering climate and energy.

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