Shadow Fleet

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 and Black Seas, conducting deceptive, high-risk practices, including conducting dark activities with AIS disabled near the russian port of Ust-Luga.
The tanker is linked to sanctioned companies Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), etc., which managed the vessel in 2022-2024.
Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE) is considered one of the leading operators of the shadow fleet, which in early 2023 was among the three largest carriers of Russian oil, along with Radiating World Shipping Services LLC (UAE) and Gatik Ship Management (India), and played a significant role in the export of russian oil to countries around the world during the period of sanctions restrictions. Fractal Marine DMCC managed a fleet of 28 tankers as an intermediary between shipowners and charterers.
Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE) and Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE) are part of a shipping empire controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, son of Ali Shamkhani, the 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 huge 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 China. The shipping empire takes significant measures to conceal its operations and obscure its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and Russia.
Fractal Marine DMCC has played an important role in the management and operation of the tanker and container ship fleet of Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani's shipping network. Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE) performs the operational functions of Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani's shipping network fleet.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On April, 2026, the EU imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On April 15, 2026, the United States imposed sanctions on a tanker as part of restrictions targeting the fleet of Mohammed Hossein Shamkhani’s shipping empire, which is involved in the transport of russian crude oil and petroleum products.
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.

During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price-cap policy on russian oil, the tanker is involved in the export of oil to third countries from russian ports, and resorts to the practice of turning off the AIS signal, conducting so-called 'dark activities' at sea.
The tanker is linked to sanctioned companies Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), etc., which managed the vessel in 2022-2024.
Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE) is considered one of the leading operators of the shadow fleet, which in early 2023 was among the three largest carriers of Russian oil, along with Radiating World Shipping Services LLC (UAE) and Gatik Ship Management (India), and played a significant role in the export of russian oil to countries around the world during the period of sanctions restrictions. Fractal Marine DMCC managed a fleet of 28 tankers as an intermediary between shipowners and charterers.
Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE) and Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE) are part of a shipping empire controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, son of Ali Shamkhani, the 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 huge 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 China. The shipping empire takes significant measures to conceal its operations and obscure its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and Russia.
Fractal Marine DMCC has played an important role in the management and operation of the tanker and container ship fleet of Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani's shipping network. Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE) performs the operational functions of Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani's shipping network fleet.
On February 12, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On April, 2026, the EU imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On April 15, 2026, the United States imposed sanctions on a tanker as part of restrictions targeting the fleet of Mohammed Hossein Shamkhani’s shipping empire, which is involved in the transport of russian crude oil and petroleum products.
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.

The vessel is engaged in transportation of russian crude oil during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo on russian oil.
The tanker is owned by the russian company South Fleet LLC, which is managed by the russian company SCF Arctica LLC, a subsidiary of the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot, the largest state-owned shipping company in russia, a key company for servicing and supporting offshore hydrocarbon production, transportation of russian oil, oil products, and liquefied natural gas amidst the application of sanctions restrictions to russia after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The services provided by Sovcomflot are a significant source of income for the russian federation, as more than 70% of russia's revenues come from the sale of energy, which allows it to finance its war against Ukraine.
The main charterers of Sovcomflot vessels are the largest oil and gas companies and traders in russia. ‘Sovcomflot is involved in servicing major oil and gas projects in russia: "Sakhalin-1", "Sakhalin-2", "Varandey", "Prirazlomnoye", "Novy Port", "Yamal LNG", and others.
Prior to russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the company's fleet consisted of about 145 vessels. After the sanctions were imposed, Sovcomflot transferred dozens of vessels to the ownership of companies it had set up, including in foreign jurisdictions, in order to circumvent them, and began the practice of constantly ‘juggling’ (transferring) vessels to related companies. According to expert estimates, the tankers transferred by Sovcomflot to related companies are part of the so-called ‘shadow tanker fleet’ of the russian federation to continue selling russian oil, oil products, and liquefied natural gas under Western sanctions.
In February 2024, USA imposed sanctions on 14 vessels (including the "Sakhalin") affiliated with the sanctioned company Sovcomflot as part of measures to reduce russia's oil revenues.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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.

The tanker, during the period of the oil embargo and price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products, is involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian Black Sea ports to third countries.
In particular, in December 2024, the vessel ensured the export of russian petroleum products from the Sheshkharis terminal in the port of Novorossiysk to Egypt (the consignor of the cargo was PJSC Gazprom).
The vessel calls at ports in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, in particular the port of Kerch in November 2025.
On April, 2026, the EU imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since May 22, 2026, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On June 12, 2026, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The vessel, during the period of the oil embargo and price cap policy on russian crude oil / petroleum products, is involved in the export of russian crude oil / petroleum products from russian Black Sea ports. In particular, on December 11, 2024, the tanker transported russian petroleum products (seller PJSC Oil Company Rosneft) from the port of Tuapse to Egypt, On January 16, 2025, it transported russian petroleum products (seller PJSC Oil Company Rosneft) from the port of Tuapse to Turkey.
From November 2024 to October 2025, the tanker was affiliated with VALEGRO LLC-FZ (UAE). On June 17, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on VALEGRO LLC-FZ for its activities in the russian energy sector.
On April, 2026, the EU imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since May 22, 2026, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On June 12, 2026, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.

During the period from March 2022 to December 2024, the tanker was affiliated with the russian company Eneya LLC (TIN 6164136080). Eneya LLC is affiliated with the sanctioned Jamaldin Pashayev and is involved in covert supplies (including aviation fuel) to Syria in the interests of the russian ministry of defense. Since October 2024, the General Director of Eneya LLC has been Magomed Abdulatipov (TIN 053689064586), who for a long period of time before October 2024 was the head of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Administration of the Caspian Sea Ports".
Since December 19, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since January 13, 2026, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On June 12, 2026, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.

During the period of the G7+ embargo and price cap policy on russian crude oil / petroleum products, the tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil / petroleum products.
On December 19, 2025, the EU imposed sanctions on the vessel that operated in a way as to facilitate or engage in the violation or circumvention or otherwise significantly frustrate the provisions of this Regulation or of Regulations (EU) No 269/2014, (EU) No 692/2014 or (EU) 2022/263.
Since January 13, 2026, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 12, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In June 2026, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.

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 from russian ports of the Baltic Sea to third countries in 2024–2025.
Tanker IMO 9430272 is the sole vessel owned by Jinhui Shipping Ltd (Marshall Islands), which indicates an opaque corporate management policy.
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.
On February 24, 2026, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In early May 2026, the Swedish Coast Guard intercepted and detained the tanker IMO 9430272 in its territorial waters in the Baltic Sea near Trelleborg. The tanker was sailing without cargo under a false Syrian flag. Syria officially notified the International Maritime Organization that it had not registered this vessel. In fact, it turned out to be stateless—and under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), this gives a coastal state the right to board a vessel in its territorial waters. On board the tanker, IMO 9430272, authorities discovered serious violations of shipping standards (technical issues, problems with the oil record book), as well as a lack of proper insurance. The vessel’s captain (a citizen of the People’s Republic of China) was detained on suspicion of using forged documents and violating maritime law; however, by mid-June 2026, Swedish authorities released him due to insufficient grounds for detention. As of June 17, 2026, the tanker remains off the coast of Skåne and is subject to a ban on operation.
On June 12, 2026, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.

During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian oil / petroleum products, the tanker was involved in the export of russian oil / petroleum products.
Since October 15, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker in connection with the transportation of oil or petroleum products of russian origin from russia to a third country.
On February 12, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On June 12, 2026, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.

During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian oil/petroleum products, the tanker was involved in the export of russian oil/petroleum products.
On October 15, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker in connection with the transportation of oil or petroleum products of russian origin from russia to a third country.
From August 2023 to September 2025, tanker IMO 9323364 was affiliated with the Indian company Peninsular Maritime India Pvt. Ltd. The Peninsular Maritime India Pvt. Ltd fleet includes shadow fleet tankers, in particular, the tanker IMO 9329760, which is involved in the transportation of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports in the Baltic Sea, engaging in deceptive shipping practices in the Baltic Sea, used by russia as a spy platform, aimed at observing NATO naval and air activities, involved in sabotage activities in the Baltic Sea, detained on December 26, 2024, by the competent authority of Finland on suspicion of breaking the Estlink 2 submarine cable with its anchor on December 25, 2024.
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.
On June 12, 2026, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker, during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian oil/petroleum products, was involved in the export of russian oil/petroleum products from russian ports in the Baltic Sea using deceptive, high-risk shipping practices, in particular in the Gulf of Finland.
Since October 24, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On June 12, 2026, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.

During the period of the G7 oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian oil/petroleum products, the tanker is involved in the export of russian oil/petroleum products from russian ports using deceptive, high-risk shipping practices, in particular in the Gulf of Finland.
The vessel is affiliated with the russian company Kontur SPB LLC (7810220078), which operates a bunkering, environmental and rescue fleet. The company has been providing the following services since 2003:
- supplying (bunkering) ships with high quality fuel and oils in the russian ports of St. Petersburg, Ust-Luga, and Novorossiysk;
- transportation of petroleum products by inland waterways of the russian federation;
- emergency and rescue teams are prepared to localize and eliminate oil spills in the water area of the Big Port of St. Petersburg and the Gulf of Finland, as well as in the ports of Novorossiysk, Kavkaz, Temryuk, and Tuapse;
- provision of environmental services for the collection, transportation, use, disposal, and disposal of hazardous waste;
- agency of sea and river vessels in the Big Port of St. Petersburg (organizing ship calls, conducting border, customs and sanitary-quarantine formalities for ship arrivals and departures, supplying the vessel with food and water, organizing pilotage and icebreaking, providing tugs, transferring the crew, purchasing and delivering onboard cards and manuals, etc).
Kontur SPB LLC is involved in supplying the russian Ministry of Defense under government contracts.
Since October 24, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On June 12, 2026, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.