Amnesty Says Myanmar Is Using 'Ghost Ships' to Import Jet Fuel as 2025 Volumes Jump

Overview

• Myanmar imported at least 109,604 metric tonnes of aviation fuel in 2025, a 69% rise from 2024 and the highest level since the 2021 coup, according to port data cited by Amnesty.
• Investigators confirmed at least nine deliveries between mid‑2024 and late 2025 carried by four vessels: HUITONG 78, YONG SHENG 56, REEF, and NOBLE.
• The shipments relied on evasive tactics including disabling AIS, spoofing positions, repeatedly changing name or flag, and conducting open‑water ship‑to‑ship transfers.
• Indicators point to an Iran link for some cargoes, with OFAC records tying REEF and NOBLE to sanctioned Iranian fuel, satellite imagery placing them at Bandar Abbas, and Kpler’s assessment of likely Iranian origin.
• Amnesty urges an immediate ban on shipping aviation fuel to Myanmar, noting 2025 as the deadliest year for air attacks since the coup, and the military did not immediately respond to questions about the findings.