GMS Secures U.S. Approval to Dismantle Sanctioned Oil Tankers

The tankers, identified as the Marinera and the Galileo, are now slated for responsible recycling. By facilitating this process, GMS aligns with broader U.S. initiatives aimed at managing seized maritime assets through environmentally sound disposal methods rather than allowing them to languish in legal limbo. The company confirmed that these transactions were conducted without any monetary exchange involving the former owners of the vessels.

The growing presence of the so-called shadow fleet—vessels often used to transport Russian or Iranian oil with minimal regulatory oversight—has sparked significant concern among global maritime stakeholders. Industry leaders argue these aging ships pose substantial environmental and safety hazards, prompting calls for their expedited removal from active service. By securing these approvals, GMS positions itself as a primary clearinghouse for vessels that have become liabilities under current geopolitical sanctions.