TRANSFORMER

During the period of the G7+ oil embargo and the price cap on russian oil, the tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil / petroleum products from russian ports in the Baltic, Black seas, and the Pacific region, mainly to China, India, and other third countries.
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as part of the shadow fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world through the Baltic Sea, the Kadetsky Canal area in the Mecklenburg Bay, and threatening the environment.
On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since February 25, March 04, 2025 EU and Switzerland respectively have imposed sanctions on the tanker for transporting crude oil / petroleum products originating in or exported from russia using irregular and high-risk shipping practices as specified in the International Maritime Organization General Assembly resolution A.1192 (33); promoting or supporting actions/policies aimed at the exploitation, development or expansion of the energy sector in russia, including energy infrastructure.
On July 21, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In November 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On January 22, 2026, the French Navy, acting in accordance with Article 110 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, detained the tanker IMO 9288851 in the Alboran Sea (western Mediterranean Sea, east of the Strait of Gibraltar), which had left the russian port of Murmansk on January 5, 2026. The vessel is suspected of using a false flag to circumvent sanctions. The operation was carried out with the support of the United Kingdom — the British Royal Navy (HMS Dagger) monitored the ship's movements from Murmansk to Gibraltar. An initial inspection on board confirmed the presence of forged registration documents. The ship was removed from its route and escorted by the French navy to an anchorage area for inspection in accordance with a warrant issued by the Marseille prosecutor's office.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.