Social media user Joankelin Sánchez has sparked curiosity with a series of posts on X, analyzing data from VesselFinder. These posts raise questions about recent tanker movements linked to Cuban ports, questioning voyage durations and potential loading or unloading activities amid the ongoing fuel crisis.
Among the various points discussed, the journey of the vessel M/T Caribbean Alliance stands out. According to Sánchez, this ship departed from Mariel in September and only reached the Port of Santiago de Cuba by February 5th. A trip that typically takes three days astonishingly took over four months.
In a subsequent post, Sánchez noted that the M/T Caribbean Alliance was nearly fully loaded upon arrival in Santiago de Cuba, with a draft of 8.1 meters out of a maximum of 9 meters. This lengthy interval between departure and arrival has been marked as "curious."
Sánchez posits that there may be undisclosed information behind the delay, although no confirmed explanation is provided in the post.
Tankers in Matanzas: Fuel Loading or Unloading?
Sánchez reported spotting a tanker named "Lourdes" at the Matanzas Port Oil Terminal, observing a draft change from 11.3 meters on January 28th to 12.8 meters by February 8th. This led him to speculate whether the tanker was loading from the "Sandino" or unloading.
In another update, Sánchez addressed confusion spread by monitoring sites regarding the course of the tanker "Ocean Integrity." He clarified that it was heading to Matanzas, Cuba, not Matanzas, Venezuela.
He further speculated that this ship was likely going to load fuel brought by the tanker "Sandino," though he presented this as a possibility rather than a confirmed fact.
Increased Tanker Traffic Amid Fuel Crisis
Sánchez observed a notable amount of tanker traffic associated with Cuba, despite the apparent fuel shortage. He mentioned several vessels, including LPG EMILIA, ESPERANZA, and PRIMULA, suggesting that if there were no fuel, the logical outcome would be a halt in their movements between ports.
He also considered other possibilities, such as the arrival of the ship ECO AVALON (IMO 9701267) in Moa on February 4th from Manzanillo, Mexico, carrying a load of coke—a solid, porous fuel rich in carbon. Manzanillo is a known export port for Mexican coke, with tracking sites indicating its arrival in Holguín this month.
In early February 2026, maritime activity around Cuban ports has attracted significant public attention. The tanker Sandino docked in Matanzas from Nipe Bay, Holguín, with an estimated cargo of 390,000 to 410,000 barrels of fuel, as per maritime monitoring sources.
The origin and type of this load remain unconfirmed, with no official statements on its nature or final destination. This arrival coincides with reports of the Sea Horse vessel heading to Havana and warnings from experts about dwindling national reserves.
These developments outline a critical scenario: while the Cuban government remains silent on the source and destination of the fuel, tanker movements suggest emergency measures or attempts to revive a faltering energy system increasingly dependent on sporadic shipments.
Understanding Tanker Movements in Cuba
Why did the journey of the M/T Caribbean Alliance take so long?
The lengthy duration of the M/T Caribbean Alliance's journey remains unexplained, raising suspicions about undisclosed activities during the voyage.
What is the significance of the tanker "Lourdes" at Matanzas?
The presence of the tanker "Lourdes" at Matanzas, with notable changes in draft, suggests potential loading or unloading activities amid Cuba's fuel shortages.
Is Cuba experiencing a fuel shortage crisis?
Yes, Cuba is currently facing a fuel shortage crisis, as indicated by the increased tanker traffic and expert warnings about depleting national reserves.