Around the same time, St. Kitts de-flagged several Gatik ships, including the Nanda Devi. Since then, the tanker has operated under Gabon’s flag. The flag has doubled in size this year, and according to analysts, serves mainly high-risk shadow fleet vessels. Gatik did not respond to requests for comment.¹⁾

Gabon’s flag registry, run by Intershipping Services in United Arab Emirates, told Lloyd’s List earlier in July that any vessels listed by IMO number by the UK and Europe would be deflagged in line with its policy on US-sanctioned ships.