AETHER

During the G7 and EU oil embargo and price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products, the tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products to third countries, in particular from russian ports on the Baltic Sea. The tanker is affiliated with the sanctioned company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), which is considered one of the leading operators of the russian shadow fleet. In early 2023, Fractal Marine DMCC was one of the three largest carriers of russian crude oil/petroleum products, along with Radiating World Shipping Services LLC (UAE) and Gatik Ship Management (India), and played a significant role in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products to countries around the world during the period of sanctions restrictions.
On February 22, 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on Fractal Marine DMCC for its involvement in servicing the russian energy sector. Fractal Marine DMCC operated a fleet of 28 tankers as an intermediary between shipowners and charterers. After being sanctioned, Fractal Marine DMCC transferred its fleet to other related companies for management.
The vessel IMO 9328170 is part of a vast shipping empire controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, son of Ali Shamkhani, chief political advisor to Iran's supreme leader.
Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani uses his father's political influence to corrupt top-level officials in the Iranian regime in order to build and operate a vast fleet of tankers and container ships. This fleet transports oil and petroleum products from Iran and russia, as well as other cargoes, to buyers around the world, generating tens of billions of dollars in profits. Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani's shipping empire consists of a vast fleet of vessels, ship management companies, and front companies that launder billions of dollars in profits from the global sale of Iranian and russian crude oil and petroleum products, mostly to buyers in the PRC. The shipping empire takes significant measures to conceal its operations and obscure its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and russia.
BPT Shipping Co LLC (UAE), Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), and Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), with which the tanker IMO 9328170 is affiliated, are among a number of companies that have played a significant role in the management and operation of the Shamkhani shipping empire's tanker fleet.
On July 30, 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on the tanker IMO 9328170.
On April, 2026, the EU imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since May 22, 2026, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On June 16, 2026, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In June 2026, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.