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 from russian ports using deceptive, high-risk practices (disabling AIS, conducting dark activities, conducting STS transmissions with other tankers, including the russian shadow fleet, near European countries).
Since December 2023, the tanker has been owned by Marinequest Corp (IMO 6437580), registered in the Seychelles (Suite 10, 3rd Floor, La Ciotat, Mont Fleuri, Mahe Island Seychelles), which is widely used to register shipping companies with an opaque ownership structure, and in July 2024 the same company became the commercial manager of the vessel. In the period from January to July 2024, the tanker was affiliated with the Moldovan company Surt Ship Management SRL, which was the commercial and technical manager of the vessel during this period. This Moldovan company is one of ten Moldovan companies that played a significant role in the maritime transportation of russian crude oil and petroleum products in 2024. In July 2024, the technical management was transferred to Vvave Minder Shipmanagement (Azerbaijan), while the owner of the tanker did not change, which may indicate that the beneficiary of the vessel has not changed. Since March 2025, the technical management has been transferred to another company from Azerbaijan - Tidal Tech Mariners LLC, whose fleet as of May 26, 2025 consists of four tankers, including sanctioned ones (IMO 926165, IMO 9265873, IMO 9290921, IMO 9384095) involved in maritime trade in russian crude oil/petroleum products.
On May 09, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker as part of the restrictions on the shadow fleet of the russian federation, including for engaging in activities aimed at destabilizing Ukraine, undermining/threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine or benefiting from or supporting the government of russia, and participating in the transportation of crude oil/petroleum products of russian origin, in particular, from russia to a third country.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since September 18, 2025, Australia has 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 20, 2026, New Zealand 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 mainly from russian ports in the Black Sea (Tuapse, Novorossiysk, Taman (Zhelezny Rog)), using high-risk, deceptive practices (turning off AIS, STS transmissions near Greece). The tanker also calls at the port of Komysh-Burun in the TOT of Crimea of Ukraine.
On January 20, 2025, near Greece, where the tanker IMO 9255830 arrived from the Kerch Strait with AIS turned off, an STS transmission took place with the tanker IMO 9402732 of the VLCC class, affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management, which in 2022-2023 was one of the top players in the shadow tanker fleet involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products under Western sanctions. On February 08, 2025, an STS transfer of russian crude oil/oil products exported from the port of Tuapse in the Black Sea took place near Greece with the same tanker IMO 9402732 of the VLCC class.
On May 09, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker as part of the restrictions on the shadow fleet of the russian federation, including for engaging in activities aimed at destabilizing Ukraine, undermining/threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine or benefiting from or supporting the government of russia, and participating in the transportation of crude oil/petroleum products of russian origin, in particular, from russia to a third country.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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 September 18, 2025, Australia has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 20, 2026, New Zealand imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.

The tanker during the period of the G7+ oil embargo and 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 Black Sea, Baltic Sea, and Pacific Ocean region, delivers russian crude oil from russian ports in the Black Sea to the Gulf of Lakonikos (Greece) for further STS transfers with the supertanker IMO 9402732, VLCC type, affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management, one of the leading operators of the so-called "shadow" fleet involved in the transportation of russian crude oil/oil products under Western sanctions in 2022-2023.
On May 09, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker as part of the restrictions on the shadow fleet of the russian federation, including for engaging in activities aimed at destabilizing Ukraine, undermining/threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine or benefiting from or supporting the government of russia, and participating in the transportation of crude oil/petroleum products of russian origin, in particular, from russia to a third country.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since September 18, 2025, Australia has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 20, 2026, New Zealand imposed sanctions on the vessel.

During the G7+ oil embargo and price cap policy on russian crude oil / petroleum products, the tanker has been engaged in the transportation of crude oil / petroleum products from russian ports in the Black Sea using deceptive, high-risk practices (turning off AIS, in particular, in the Kerch Strait area).
The vessel calls at the ports of the TOT of Ukraine (Kamysh-Burun, Feodosia).
The tanker calls at the Sheskharis oil terminal (Novorossiysk), in particular in April and July 2025. The Sheskharis terminal is a transshipment complex, the end point of the main pipelines of JSC Chernomortransneft (TIN 2315072242, under US sanctions) — a subsidiary of the sanctioned russian company Transneft (TIN 7706061801).
The tanker is affiliated through the sanctioned companies SCF Management Services Cyprus (Cyprus), Sun Ship Management (UAE), Oil Tankers SCF MGMT FZCO (UAE), Fornax Ship Management FZCO (UAE) with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot, the largest state-owned shipping company in russia that services and provides offshore hydrocarbon production, transportation of russian crude oil, petroleum products and liquefied gas. The major charterers of PJSC Sovcomflot's vessels are russia's largest oil and gas companies and traders. PJSC Sovcomflot is involved in servicing major oil and gas projects in russia: Sakhalin-1, Sakhalin-2, Varandey, Prirazlomnoye, Novy Port, Yamal LNG and others.
The tanker is affiliated with sanctioned Turkish company Westanker Denizcilik Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi. The company is associated with the management of a group of ships on behalf of the shipping network of Iranian oil magnate and major arms supplier to russia Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, son of Ali Shamkhani, former Iranian defense minister and chief political adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
On April 11, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of vessel IMO 9258167.
On May 09, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker as part of the restrictions on the shadow fleet of the russian federation.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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 September 18, 2025, Australia has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 20, 2026, New Zealand imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products, in particular to the EU countries, including through STS transfers in the area of the Caucasian anchorage near the Kerch Strait (an area associated with STS transfers with tankers sailing to/from Greece and Malta to/from a russian port in the Azov Sea). Thus, the tanker carried out transfers, in particular, with tankers belonging to the shadow fleet involved in the transportation of russian crude oil/oil products under sanctions: APUS (IMO 9280885, under USA sanctions) in December 2024, and UTAKI (IMO 9262924) in November 2023.
The vessel is also affiliated with the sanctioned russian company Rosewood Shipping LLC (TIN 6167088540), a shipping company specializing in the logistics of oil products using its own fleet. The founder of Rosewood Shipping LLC is South Energy LLC (TIN 6167088571). The management company of Rosewood Shipping LLC is a sanctioned russian company, NZNP Management JSC (TIN 9725007881), which is affiliated with NZNP JSC (one of the largest suppliers of oil products in southern russia, TOT of Ukraine).
On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since September 12, 2025, the United Kingdom has 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.
On February 20, 2026, New Zealand imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 19, 2026, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the export of sanctioned russian crude oil/oil products from russian ports in the Black Sea, Baltic Sea, and Pacific region, including through deceptive practices.
The tanker is considered to be part of the shadow fleet, affiliated with SUNNE CO LIMITED, which was sanctioned by USA on January 10, 2025 for its activities in the energy sector of the russian federation.
On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel as a property in which SUNNE CO LIMITED has an interest.
According to GISIS IMO data, as of July 17, 2025, the vessel's flag is unknown. At the same time, the vessel uses the flag of Panama.
Since September 12, 2025, the United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since October 24, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In November 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On January 3, 2026, tanker IMO 9281152 became one of at least 16 tankers that left Venezuelan ports in defiance of the naval blockade imposed by the US as part of Operation Southern Spear in late 2025. The ship likely left with a cargo of Venezuelan crude oil or fuel oil, using the name Cape Balder.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 20, 2026, New Zealand imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the export of sanctioned russian crude oil/oil products from russian ports to third countries using deceptive, high-risk practices, and calls at the ports of the TOT of Ukraine.
The vessel is also involved in the transportation of Venezuelan crude oil/petroleum products in circumvention of sanctions, in particular HSFO from the port of Jose.
On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on a vessel that considered as a part of the shadow fleet.
Since September 12, 2025, the United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since October 24, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In November 2025, Canada 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 20, 2026, New Zealand imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.

During the period of the G7+ oil embargo and the price cap on russian oil, the tanker is involved in the export of russian oil/oil products from russian ports in the Black and Baltic Seas to third countries.
On December 16, 2024, the EU imposed sanctions on the tanker (effective from December 17, 2024) due to the transportation of crude oil or petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular high-risk shipping practices as set out in the International Maritime Organization General Assembly Resolution A.1192(33).
On December 23, 2024, Switzerland imposed sanctions on the vessel in connection with the transportation of crude oil or petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular and risky shipping practices, as set out in the resolution of the General Assembly of the International Maritime Organization A.1192(33).
On May 09, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker as part of the restrictions on the shadow fleet of the russian federation, including for engaging in activities aimed at destabilizing Ukraine, undermining/threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine or benefiting from or supporting the government of russia, and participating in the transportation of crude oil/petroleum products of russian origin, in particular, from russia to a third country.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since September 18, 2025, Australia has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 20, 2026, New Zealand imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the export of russian oil to third countries from russian ports in the Baltic Sea.
Since December 2023, the tanker has been affiliated with the Moldovan company KSN Shipmanagement, which was registered less than a month after russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. RLRISE Moldova, a community of investigative journalists, programmers and activists from the Republic of Moldova and Romania, and Greenpeace International refer to the tanker as a shadow fleet involved in the export of russian oil.
On April 11, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of vessel IMO 9205067.
On May 09, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker as part of the restrictions on the shadow fleet of the russian federation, including for engaging in activities aimed at destabilizing Ukraine, undermining/threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine or benefiting from or supporting the government of russia, and participating in the transportation of crude oil/petroleum products of russian origin, in particular, from russia to a third country.
On May 20, 2025, the EU imposed sanctions, which 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.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since September 18, 2025, Australia has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 20, 2026, New Zealand imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker has been involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas since 2024, mainly to China and India, including with AIS disabled.
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as part of the shadow fleet of tankers that transport russian oil around the world and threaten the environment.
On February 24, March 04, 2025 EU and Switzerland respectively imposed sanctions on the tanker for transporting crude oil/oil 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 (EU sanctions will enter into force on February 25, 2025).
On May 09, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker as part of the restrictions on the russian shadow fleet.
Since September 18, 2025, Australia has 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 February 20, 2026, New Zealand imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.

The tanker during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo, the price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products is involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products, actively engaged in dark activities near the russian ports of Novorossiysk, Ust-Luga, FSO IMO 9217979 in the Kola Bay, as well as near Iran.
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as part of a shadow fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world and threatening the environment.
The tanker is affiliated with Sparta Shipmanagement Limited, a company associated with the sanctioned Aleksejs Halavins, who in 2022 stated that he was the general manager of Sparta Shipmanagement Limited, as well as the chairman of the board of directors and the ultimate beneficial owner of the OGC group. Aleksejs Halavins, a Latvian citizen, was deeply involved in the trade of russian crude oil by the sanctioned company Black Pearl and has been an active buyer of russian oil at prices above the price cap since 2023. Halavins owns and manages the UAE-based sanctioned company Conrad Management Company LLC FZ (Conrad) and is the CEO of the Liberian-registered sanctioned companies Lule One Services Inc (Lule) and Lathyrus Shipping Company (Lathyrus). Halavins holds senior positions in the UAE-registered sanctioned companies International Marine Management FZE (International Marine) and Fulda Shipping Co (Fulda), both registered in Liberia.
According to UANI, the tanker was involved in the transportation of Iranian oil and after the beginning of russia's full-scale invasion into Ukraine switched to the transportation of russian crude oil/petroleum products.
On May 09, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker as part of the restrictions on the shadow fleet of the russian federation, including for engaging in activities aimed at destabilizing Ukraine, undermining/threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine or benefiting from or supporting the government of russia, and participating in the transportation of crude oil/petroleum products of russian origin, in particular, from russia to a third country.
On May 20, 2025, the EU imposed sanctions, which 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.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since September 18, 2025, Australia has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 20, 2026, New Zealand imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo, the price cap on russian oil/oil products is involved in the export of russian oil/oil products from russian ports in the Baltic Sea, the Pacific region to third countries, conducting dark activities near Malaysia, Thailand, the russian ports of Ust-Luga, Vistino in the Baltic Sea with the AIS signal turned off.
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as a shadow fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world through the Baltic Sea, the Kadetsky Canal area in the Bay of Mecklenburg and threatening the environment.
The tanker is affiliated with Dream Island Shipping LLC (Azerbaijan), the fleet of which includes/included oil tankers classified by Greenpeace as part of a shadow fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world via the Baltic Sea, the Kadetsky Canal area in the Bay of Mecklenburg, and pose a threat to the environment. At the same time, two tankers from the company's fleet (IMO 9257814 and IMO 9314105) were transferred to Dream Island Shipping LLC from the Moldovan companies Ost Shipmanagement SRL and KSN Shipmanagement SRL, which, according to an investigation by RLRISE Moldova — a community of investigative journalists, programmers, and activists from the Republic of Moldova and Romania — are involved in the creation of part of the shadow fleet used to export russian oil.
In February 2025, management of the tanker was transferred to Voyage Guard Shipmanagement (Azerbaijan).
On April 11, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of vessel IMO 9183295.
On May 09, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker as part of the restrictions on the shadow fleet of the russian federation, including for engaging in activities aimed at destabilizing Ukraine, undermining/threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine or benefiting from or supporting the government of russia, and participating in the transportation of crude oil/petroleum products of russian origin, in particular, from russia to a third country.
On May 20, 2025, the EU imposed sanctions, which 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.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since September 18, 2025, Australia has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 20, 2026, New Zealand imposed sanctions on the vessel.