Shadow Fleet

The tanker during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products is involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products.
The tanker is affiliated with the Turkish company Beks Tanker Isletmeciligi AS, which managed the vessel from January 2023 to March 2024. Beks Tanker Isletmeciligi AS is one of the top three ranking Turkish operators, which in 2023 provided transportation of hundreds of millions of barrels of russian crude oil and petroleum products. The fleet of the Turkish top three - Beks Tanker Isletmeciligi AS and the sanctioned Beks Gemi Isletmeciligi ve Tic and Active Denizcilik ve Gemi - transported a total of 49 million barrels of russian crude oil/petroleum products in 2023. In March 2024, the management of the tanker was transferred to the Turkish company Cape Gemi Isletmeciligi AS. Cape Gemi Isletmeciligi AS has the same legal address as two other Turkish ship managers, Sand Gemi Isletmeciligi AS and Tokyo Gemi Isletmeciligi AS. Eight tankers of these companies were operated by Beks Tanker Isletmeciligi AS in 2023 and early 2024, and one tanker was operated by the sanctioned Beks Gemi Isletmeciligi ve Tic.
In April 2025, the owner and managers of the vessel changed. The owner of the vessel became Bright Maritime Services, and the commercial manager became EMT Gemi Isletmeciligi AS (Turkey). EMT Gemi Isletmeciligi AS operates a fleet of 11 sub-sanctioned oil tankers.
On May 20, 2025, the EU imposed sanctions, which will enter into force on May 21, 2025, on the tanker for the transportation of crude oil/petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular high-risk shipping practices as specified in the International Maritime Organization General Assembly Resolution A.1192(33).
On June 03, 2025, the sanctions imposed by Switzerland on the vessel came into force.
Since October 24, 2025, the EU has de-listed the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Switzerland has de-listed the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker belongs to the fleet of the russian company Kontur SPB LLC (TIN 7810220078), which, as of September 2026, is subject to sanctions imposed by the EU and Switzerland. Kontur SPB LLC is involved in supplying the russian Ministry of Defense under government contracts. Kontur SPB LLC is an operator of a bunkering, environmental, and emergency rescue fleet; since 2003, it has been providing services in the Port of St. Petersburg, including vessel bunkering, the transportation of petroleum products via russia’s inland waterways, shipping agency services, and others.
Since May 21, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the tanker for the transportation of crude oil/petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular high-risk shipping practices as specified in the International Maritime Organization General Assembly Resolution A.1192(33).
On June 03, 2025,Switzerland has imposed the sanctions on the vessel.
On July 21, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products, the tanker was systematically involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports in the Black Sea, Arctic and Pacific regions, including with the AIS turned off.
In June, July, September, and October 2023, the tanker was involved in the export of several shipments of russian oil products (nearly 120 thousand tons in total) from the russian port of Tuapse, where the production complex belonging to the sanctioned PJSC Rosneft Oil Company, the Tuapse Oil Refinery with a marine terminal, is located. The sender of the cargoes was the sanctioned russian company Rosneft (one shipment), Amur Trading FZCO (three shipments), and the recipient was Tejarinaft FZCO and Tüpras Türkiye Petrol Rafinerileri A.Ş.
Since January 2024, the tanker has been involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from the russian ports of Slavianka and Vanino to the Pacific region.
The tanker is affiliated with the Indian companies Maritas Fleet PVT LTD, which was the former ISM manager of the tanker, and Bravo Ship Management Pvt Ltd, which was the former commercial manager of the vessel. Maritas Fleet PVT LTD and Bravo Ship Management Pvt Ltd are associated with the management of tankers affiliated with the sanctioned company Hennesea Holdings Limited (UAE), which shortly before the price cap policy came into force acquired 18 oil tankers transporting russian sanctioned crude oil/petroleum products and was sanctioned by the United States for violating the price cap.
On October 15, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 19, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since January 13, 2026, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 12, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

During the period of the oil embargo and the G7+ countries’ price cap policy on russian crude oil and petroleum products, the tanker is involved in the export of light russian petroleum products from the ports of Novorossiysk, Taman, Tuapse, and Ust-Luga to the UAE, India, and Turkey.
The tanker is affiliated with Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment, which in 2023, together with Caishan Ship Management, Plutos Ship Management, Gaurik Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Galena Ship Management, Orion Ship Management, Geras Ship Management, Zidan Ship Management, was involved in a scheme to "juggle" vessels operated by Gatik Ship Management, one of the leading operators of the shadow fleet involved in the transportation of russian crude oil/petroleum products under Western sanctions.
Since October 24, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 24, 2026, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
The tanker IMO 9272931 has been flying the russian flag since July 2026.

During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price-cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products, the tanker has been involved since March 2023 in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas, employing deceptive and high-risk shipping practices.
The vessel is affiliated with the Moldovan company BPC Shipmanagement SRL. Together with several other Moldovan entities, BPC Shipmanagement SRL has been involved in establishing part of the shadow fleet used to export russian crude oil/petroleum products under Western restrictions. The shadow tankers managed by Moldovan companies – including Adel Ship Management SRL, BPC Shipmanagement SRL, MRK Shipmanagement SRL, KSN Shipmanagement SRL, OST Shipmanagement SRL, Surt Ship Management SRL, SAL Shipmanagement SRL, and FLC Shipmanagement SRL – were later transferred under the management of several Azerbaijani companies, such as Dream Island Shipping LLC, Ocean Voyage LLC, Tidal Tech Mariners LLC, Seafaring Savants LLC, VVave Minder Shipmanagement, Triton Technical Services LLC, Navigenix Shipmanagement LLC, Nautilus Fleet Management LLC, and Harbor Harmony Shipmanagement, among others.
The tanker IMO 9296597, previously managed by the Moldovan company BPC Shipmanagement SRL, was transferred to the management of Ocean Voyage LLC (Azerbaijan).
In June 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on Ocean Voyage LLC for providing material assistance, sponsorship, or financial, material, or technological support, as well as goods or services, in support of the organization Ansar Allah.
After sanctions were imposed on Ocean Voyage LLC, management of the tanker was transferred to Seafaring Savants LLC (Azerbaijan).
Since October 24, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 24, 2026, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In January 2026, the tanker exported 223,350 barrels of petroleum products from the port of Primorsk to Morocco.
In accordance with EU Council Regulation 2026/506 of April 23, 2026, the EU de-listed the tanker.
Since May 22, 2026, Switzerland has de-listed the vessel.

The tanker has been implicated in the export of russian crude oil and petroleum products from russian ports.
Since June 2024, the vessel has been owned and managed by Trinity Shipping LLC (ООО "Тринити Шиппинг", TIN 7813270750), whose primary business activity is maritime freight transport. As of 14 June 2025, the company’s fleet comprises seven additional russian-flagged oil tankers (IMO 9038969, IMO 9166314, IMO 9282986 – under sanctions since May 2025, IMO 9288930 – under sanctions since May 2025, IMO 9585912, IMO 9585924, IMO 9676230). According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), tanker IMO 9676230 was involved in oil supplies to Syria in 2016–2018 and is affiliated with the designated russian company Transpetrochart LLC (ООО "Транспетрочарт", TIN 7825484443).
Transpetrochart LLC is affiliated with the designated russian company Sovfracht JSC (АО "Совфрахт"), one of the largest independent transport and forwarding companies in the russian federation and a key node in the military transport network of russian cargo vessels delivering North Korean weapons to russian military facilities for use in the war against Ukraine. Transpetrochart LLC has also been linked to the supply of jet fuel and oil products from the Feodosia oil depot (TOT of Crimea, Ukraine) to the Syrian port of Tartus in support of the russian military contingent in Syria, including the "Syrian Squadron" of the russian navy.
On 20 May 2025, the European Union imposed sanctions on the tanker, effective 21 May 2025, for transporting crude oil and/or petroleum products originating in, or exported from, the russian federation, while employing irregular and high-risk shipping practices as defined in International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly Resolution A.1192(33).
On 3 June 2025, sanctions imposed by Switzerland on the vessel entered into force.
On 21 July 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker was involved in the export of russian oil and petroleum products from russian ports during the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian oil and petroleum products.
In November 2024, the vessel transported russian petroleum products from the port of Tuapse, where a production complex belonging to the sanctioned PJSC NK Rosneft (ПАО "НК "Роснефть"") – Tuapse Refinery with a marine terminal – is located. The consignor and consignee of the cargo was Trade X Middle East FZCO.
The vessel is affiliated with Maritas Fleet PVT LTD (India), the former ISM manager of the tanker. Maritas Fleet PVT LTD was established in December 2022 in Mumbai and is linked to the ISM management of tankers affiliated with the sanctioned Hennesea Holdings Limited (UAE). Shortly before the price cap policy came into effect, Hennesea Holdings Limited acquired 18 oil tankers that were transporting sanctioned russian oil and petroleum products and was subsequently sanctioned by the United States for violating the price cap policy.
Since October 24, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 24, 2026, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products.
From July 20, 2025, the EU imposed sanctions on a tanker for transporting crude oil/petroleum products that originate in russia or are exported from russia using irregular and high-risk shipping practices as set out in the International Maritime Organization General Assembly resolution A.1192 (33).
On August 12, 2025, Switzerland imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 24, 2026, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker during the period of the G7+ oil embargo, the price cap policy on russian crude oil/oil products is involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products from russian ports in the Baltic Sea, and resorts to conducting dark activities with the disabling of AIS.
The tanker is affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE, under UK sanctions), one of the leading operators of the so-called shadow fleet involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products in 2022-2023.
The shipping company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE) was established shortly before the G7 countries introduced a price-cap policy on russian oil after russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and played a significant role in the transportation of russian oil.
On February 22, 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on Fractal Marine DMCC in connection with its involvement in servicing the russian energy sector. Fractal Marine DMCC operated a fleet of 28 tankers as an intermediary between ship owners and charterers.
Fractal Marine DMCC, together with Gatik Ship Management (India) and Radiating World Shipping Services LLC (UAE, under UK sanctions), are considered to be the leading operators of the russian shadow fleet, which in early 2023 assembled a fleet of about 90 tankers, 90% of which transported russian crude oil/oil products from the Baltic and Black Seas ports of russia to India, China, Turkey, the Middle East, Africa and South America. In less than a year, the $2 billion fleet of oil tankers assembled by Fractal and Gatik could transport more than 40 million barrels of crude oil/oil products. Fractal Marine DMCC, Gatik Ship Management and Radiating World Shipping Services LLC in the tanker market helped russian crude oil continue to circulate around the world and the russian government to generate multibillion-dollar revenues bypassing the sanctions.
After Fractal Marine was sanctioned, DMCC tried to challenge the sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom but lost in court. After that, the company "re-signed" its fleet to other companies.
The safety management of the tanker in 2023-2024 was carried out by Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), which also managed 19 other vessels affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC.
The vessel IMO 9433016 is part of a vast shipping empire controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the son of Ali Shamkhani, the chief political advisor to the Supreme Leader of Iran.
Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani uses corruption through his father's political influence at the highest levels of the Iranian regime to build and operate a huge fleet of tankers and container ships. This network transports crude 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.
The Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani network consists of a huge fleet of vessels, ship management companies and front companies which launder billions of dollars in profits from the global sales of Iranian and russian crude oil and petroleum products, mostly to buyers in China. The network undertakes extensive measures to disguise its operations and obfuscate its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and russia.
Fractal Marine DMCC, Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ, The Zulu Ships Management and Operation - Sole Proprietorship LLC, with which the tanker IMO 9433016 is affiliated, are among the companies that have played a significant role in the management and operation of the Shamkhani tanker fleet.
On July 30, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since October 24, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 24, 2026, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

During the period of the G7+ oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil / petroleum products, the tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil / petroleum products from russian ports in the Baltic, Black Sea, and Pacific regions, and resorts to conducting dark activities with the deactivation of AIS in the area of the port of Ust-Luga.
The vessel is affiliated with the sanctioned company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), one of the leading operators of the so-called shadow fleet involved in the export of russian crude oil / petroleum products in 2022-2023.
The shipping company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE) was established shortly before the G7 countries adopted a price-cap policy on russian oil after russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and played a significant role in the transportation of russian oil. Fractal Marine DMCC operated a fleet of 28 tankers as an intermediary between ship owners and charterers.
After the sanctions were imposed, Fractal Marine DMCC tried to challenge the sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom but lost in court. After that, the company "re-signed" its fleet to other companies.
The security management of the tanker in 2023-2024 was carried out by Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), which also managed 19 other vessels affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC.
The tanker, IMO 9400980, is part of a vast shipping empire controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the son of Ali Shamkhani, the chief political advisor to the Supreme Leader of Iran.
Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani uses corruption through his father's political influence at the highest levels of the Iranian regime to build and operate a huge fleet of tankers and container ships. This network 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.
The Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani network consists of a huge fleet of ships, ship management firms and front companies that launder billions of dollars in profits from global sales of Iranian and russian crude oil and petroleum products, most often to buyers in China. The network takes significant steps to disguise its operations and obfuscate its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and russia.
The companies Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), with which the tanker IMO 9400980 is affiliated, are among the companies that have played a significant role in the management and operation of the Shamkhani tanker fleet.
On July 30, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the tanker IMO 9400980.
Since October 24, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 12, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 24, 2026, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker during the period of the G7+ oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil/oil products is involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products, in particular, from russian ports in the Black Sea, and in deceptive, high-risk practices (turning off AIS, in particular, in the Kerch Strait area in the Black Sea).
The tanker called at the port of Komysh-Burun of the TOT of Ukraine in February 2015.
The tanker makes frequent calls to the port of the russian Taman terminal of the LPG, crude oil and oil products transshipment complex.
In April 2023, an STS transfer took place near Greece with the tanker IMO 9274434 (under USA and UK sanctions), affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management, one of the leading operators of the shadow fleet involved in the transportation of russian crude oil under Western sanctions, and the Gatik-related company Orion Ship Management LLP, which in 2023, together with Caishan Ship Management, Plutos Ship Management, Gaurik Ship Management LLP, Geras Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Galena Ship Management, Nautilus Shipping (India), Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment LLC, Zidan Ship Management, was involved in a scheme to 'juggle' vessels operated by Gatik Ship Management to avoid sanctions.
The tanker is affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE, under UK sanctions for its involvement in servicing the energy sector of the russian economy). Fractal Marine DMCC is considered to be one of the leading operators of the so-called shadow fleet involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products under Western sanctions in 2022-2023. The shipping company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE) was established shortly before the G7 countries introduced a price-cap policy on russian crude oil/oil products and played a significant role in the transportation of russian crude oil/oil products under sanctions. After the sanctions were imposed on Fractal Marine, DMCC tried to challenge the sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom, but lost in court. After that, the company 're-signed' its fleet to other companies. Thus, the tankers previously managed by Fractal Marine DMCC were transferred to new management companies, in particular, Zulu Ships Management (UAE). The vessels managed by Zulu Ships Management continue to export russian crude oil/oil products from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas.
The tanker is managed by Zulu Ships Management, which also operates other tankers affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC - IMO 9433016, IMO 9387279, IMO 9336490, IMO 9332315, IMO 9328170, IMO 9298492, IMO 9282493, IMO 9282481, IMO 9252955, which call at russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas, while tankers IMO 9332315 and IMO 9298492 also call at the port of Kamysh-Burun in the TOT of Crimea.
The vessel, IMO 9388027, is part of a vast shipping empire controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the son of Ali Shamkhani, the chief political advisor to the Supreme Leader of Iran.
Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani uses corruption through his father's political influence at the highest levels of the Iranian regime to build and operate a huge fleet of tankers and container ships. This network 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.
The Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani network consists of a huge fleet of ships, ship management firms and front companies that launder billions of dollars in profits from global sales of Iranian and russian crude oil and petroleum products, mostly to buyers in China. The network takes significant steps to disguise its operations and obfuscate its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and russia.
BPT Shipping Co LLC (UAE), Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), The Zulu Ships Management and Operation - Sole Proprietorship LLC (UAE), with which the tanker IMO 9388027 is affiliated, are among the companies that have played a significant role in the management and operation of the Shamkhani tanker fleet.
On July 30, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the tanker IMO 9388027.
In August 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the tanker's master.
Since October 24, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 24, 2026, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price-cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products, the tanker has been involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products to third countries, in particular from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas.
The tanker is affiliated with the sanctioned company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), considered one of the leading operators of the russian shadow fleet. At the beginning of 2023, Fractal Marine DMCC was among 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 key role in facilitating russian oil exports worldwide amid sanctions.
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. Following the sanctions, Fractal Marine DMCC transferred its fleet to other affiliated entities.
The vessel IMO 9387279 is part of a vast maritime network controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the son of Ali Shamkhani, chief political advisor to the Supreme Leader of Iran. Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani leverages his father’s political influence to cultivate corruption among senior Iranian officials, enabling the creation and operation of a massive fleet of tankers and container ships. This fleet transports oil and petroleum products from Iran and russia, as well as other cargoes, to buyers worldwide, generating tens of billions of dollars in profit.
The Shamkhani maritime network comprises an extensive fleet of vessels, ship management companies, and front entities that launder billions of dollars in proceeds from global sales of Iranian and russian crude oil and petroleum products, primarily to buyers in China. The network employs elaborate methods to conceal its operations and obscure its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and russia.
Algae Ship Charter FZCO (UAE), Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), and The Zulu Ships Management and Operation – Sole Proprietorship LLC (UAE), with which the tanker IMO 9387279 is affiliated, are among the companies that have played a key role in managing and operating the Shamkhani network’s tanker fleet.
On July 30, 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on the tanker IMO 9387279.
Since October 24, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 24, 2026, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada has imposed sanctions on the vessel.