PHONIX

The tanker has been involved in the transportation of millions of barrels of sanctioned Iranian crude oil since at least 2022 for the sanctioned China Concord Petroleum Company, which was sanctioned by USA in late 2019 for violating restrictions on the processing and transaction of Iranian oil, and for engaging in deceptive practices (falsification of identification and location).
Many tankers involved in transporting Iranian oil to countries such as China are also involved in Venezuelan trade, including tanker IMO 9198317. On June 11, 2022, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi signed a 20-year cooperation agreement to expand ties in the oil and petrochemical industries, as well as in the military and economic spheres. Since then, bilateral ties have begun to develop. Most cargo is transported by ships belonging to the sanctioned National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) in both directions. A significant number of ships flying under foreign (non-Iranian) flags are also involved in this trade.
The tanker is affiliated with Vision Ship Management LLP, which was sanctioned by USA on December 03, 2024 for its activities in the oil sector of the Iranian economy.
On December 03, 2024, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel.