Shadow Fleet

Marine vessels involved in the transportation of sanctioned oil
Total number:
1488
Marine vessels
545
Masters
Updated: 10.10.2026
The shadow tanker fleet transports growing volumes of sanctioned oil around the world, generates billions of dollars in revenue for russia and Iran, threatens environmental safety in the oceans, serves as a spy platform, and is used for sabotage activities in the interests of the aggressor.
The sanctioned countries are looking for new markets for oil, building up their tanker fleet to circumvent restrictions, and shipping crude oil mainly to China and India.
The shadow tanker fleet with a total deadweight of more than 100 million tons (approximately 17% of the world`s oil tanker fleet) consists of more than a thousand mostly outdated, poorly maintained vessels without proper insurance, with ‘confusing’ ownership and management structures located in ‘friendly’ jurisdictions, under ‘convenient’ flags. Such vessels resort to deceptive tactics at sea to conceal the origin of their cargo, threaten ‘environmental chaos’ and billions of dollars in losses to coastal countries by passing through busy, narrow international transportation routes without pilotage. Since the beginning of russia`s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, shadow tankers have already been involved in more than 50 incidents from the Danish Straits to Malaysia.
 
 
 
 
Category
Sanctions
 
 
DWT: 91 022 тис.тоннTotal: 896
ASTORIA
Vessel name
ASTORIA
IMO
9166314
Flag (Current)
russian federation russian federation
Vessel Type
Chemical/Oil Products Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
The tanker has been implicated in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products.
The owner and manager of the tanker since 2019 is the russian company Trinity Shipping LLC (ООО "Тринити Шиппинг", TIN 7813270750), whose main activity is sea freight transport. As of June 14, 2025, the company’s fleet includes seven additional oil tankers (IMO 9038969, IMO 9585912 — under sanctions since June 2025, IMO 9282986 — under sanctions since May 2025, IMO 9288930 — under sanctions since May 2025, IMO 9105140 — under sanctions since May 2025, IMO 9585924, IMO 9676230) sailing under the russian flag.
Among them is the tanker IMO 9676230, which, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), was implicated in oil supply deliveries to Syria in 2016–2018. This vessel is affiliated with the russian company Transpetrochart LLC (ООО "ТранспетроЧарт", TIN 7825484443, under U.S. sanctions).
Transpetrochart LLC is affiliated with the sanctioned russian company JSC Sovfracht (АО "Совфрахт"), one of the largest independent freight forwarding companies in russia, which serves as 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 associated with the supply of jet fuel and oil products from the Feodosia oil depot to the Syrian port of Tartus for use by russian military forces in Syria, including the so-called "Syrian squadron" of the russian navy.
On June 17, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker in connection with the transportation of crude oil/petroleum products of russian origin from russia to third countries.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 24, 2026, Australia 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.
In June 2026, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
View profile
KEY
Vessel name
KEY
IMO
9383869
Flag (Current)
russian federation russian federation
Vessel Type
Crude Oil Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
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 the russian ports of Primorsk and Ust-Luga in the Baltic Sea since March 2025, as well as in August 2023.
The tanker, while exporting russian crude oil/petroleum products from the russian ports of Ust-Luga and Primorsk in 2025, resorts to disabling AIS and conducting dark activities near the russian port of Ust-Luga and in the Gulf of Finland.
Since February 2025, the owner and commercial manager of the tanker is Rang Shipping Ltd, a company registered in the Seychelles, the fleet of which consists only of the tanker IMO 9383869. Since February 2025, the ISM-manager of the vessel is the Indian company Mariam Ship Management Service, the fleet of which, as of June 14, 2025, in addition to the tanker IMO 9383869, also includes the crude oil tanker IMO 9297553, which is also involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from the russian ports of Primorsk, Ust-Luga, Vysotsk, Nakhodka during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and 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.
In June 2026, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
The tanker has been flying the russian flag since July 2026.
View profile
OSTRIA
Vessel name
OSTRIA
IMO
9260067
Flag (Current)
unknown
Vessel Type
Chemical/Oil Products Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
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, including through STS transfers in September 2024 near Greece with tankers of the russian shadow fleet (IMO 9251456, IMO 9299123, which have been under sanctions since May 2025).
The tanker makes calls at the Sheskharis terminal (Novorossiysk), in particular in December 2024. The Sheskharis terminal is a transshipment complex, the end point of the main pipelines of Chernomortransneft JSC (TIN 2315072242, under USA sanctions), a subsidiary of the sanctioned russian Transneft PJSC (TIN 7706061801).
The tanker is linked to illegal shipments of Iranian oil.
The tanker is affiliated with the sanctioned company Eco Max FZE (UAE), which manages tankers associated with the illegal supply of Iranian oil through its fleet (in particular, the sanctioned tanker IMO 9220938), as well as sanctioned tankers of the russian shadow fleet (IMO 9236755, IMO 9236755).
In October 2024, the United States imposed sanctions on the tanker as property in which the sanctioned company Eco Max FZE has an interest.
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 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.
In June 2026, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
View profile
RIKER
Vessel name
RIKER
IMO
9253909
Flag (Current)
Sierra Leone Sierra Leone
Vessel Type
Crude Oil Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
The tanker, during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products, has been involved since June 2024 in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports, as well as through STS transfers, in particular in April 2025 with the tanker IMO 9304825 (under UK sanctions since February 2025) near russian ports in the Baltic Sea. The vessel engages in dark activities near the Kerch Strait in the Sea of Azov in June and July 2024, and then near Romania in July 2024.
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as part of a shadow fleet of tankers that transport russian oil around the world and threaten the environment.
On May 20, 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.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 24, 2026, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In June 2026, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
View profile
CELINE
Vessel name
CELINE
IMO
9252400
Flag (Current)
unknown
Vessel Type
Oil Products Tanker
Category
Cargo transportation from/to ТОТ of Ukraine
icon arrow-tree Calling ports of the TOT
During the period of the G7 and EU 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 mainly from russian ports in the Black Sea, including through STS transfers with russian affiliation. Transshipment of crude oil/petroleum products of russian origin by STS method at sea allows concealing the ownership and origin of the cargo, legalizing their supply to the EU, the US and other countries. In turn, the sale of crude oil/petroleum products on the world market allows accumulating significant financial resources in the state budget of the russian federation, which are used, among other things, to build up the military potential of the aggressor state and to provide material support for russia's military operations on the territory of Ukraine.
The tanker calls at the ports of the TOT of Crimea of Ukraine, in particular, in January and April 2025, the vessel called at the port of Komysh-Burun, in April 2025, after calling at the port in the TOT of Crimea of Ukraine, the tanker called at a Turkish port.
The tanker is engaged in dark activities in the Kerch Strait area, near russian ports in the Black Sea, calling, in particular, at the Sheskharis terminal (Novorossiysk), which is a transshipment complex, the end point of the main pipelines of Chernomortransneft JSC (TIN: 2315072242, under USA sanctions), a subsidiary of the sanctioned russian Transneft PJSC (TIN: 7706061801).
In September 2023, the tanker was involved in the export of a batch of gas oil (more than 30 thousand tons) from the russian port of Tuapse by order of Tüpras Türkiye Petrol Rafinerileri A.Ş., Tejarinaft FZCO), the sender of the cargo was the sanctioned russian PJSC Rosneft Oil Company. There is a production complex in Tuapse belonging to the sanctioned Rosneft - the Tuapse Refinery with a marine terminal.
The crew of the tanker is recruited from the russian federation.
According to United Against Nuclear Iran, the tanker has been part of the armada of ghosts that have been helping Iran transport Iranian oil since October 2024.
The tanker is affiliated with the sanctioned company Eco Max FZE (UAE), which manages tankers associated with the illegal supply of Iranian oil.
In October 2024, the United States imposed sanctions on the tanker as a property in which the sanctioned company Eco Max FZE has an interest.
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.
In June 2026, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
View profile
TEWEST
Vessel name
TEWEST
IMO
9337327
Flag (Current)
Sierra Leone Sierra Leone
Vessel Type
Chemical/Oil Products Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting 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, the tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports (Novorossiysk, Tuapse, St. Petersburg, Vysotsk) in the Black and Baltic Seas.
In particular, on February 17, 2023, the tanker was involved in the export of diesel (almost 30 thousand tons) from the russian port of Tuapse, the sender of the cargo was the sanctioned russian PJSC Rosneft Oil Company, the recipient was GMS Trading Middle East DMCC (UAE), founded on February 16, 2022. There is a production complex in Tuapse belonging to the sanctioned Rosneft - the Tuapse Refinery with a marine terminal. The tanker was also involved in several other export operations of Rosneft's diesel cargoes from the port of Tuapse on January 09 and February 01, 2023.
The tanker is affiliated with the Turkish company Beks Tanker Isletmeciligi AS (from the Bekmezci group of companies owned by Turkish textile magnate Ali Bekmezci), which was sanctioned by the United Kingdom in February 2024 for supporting the russian government, participating in and benefiting from doing business in a sector of strategic importance to the russian government - the russian energy sector.
The tanker IMO 9337327 is one of 37 purchased by Bekmezci since 2022, which was immediately engaged in russian oil trading as part of the Beks fleet. A significant number of Beks vessels have been renamed and ship management and commercial operations changed to circumvent sanctions imposed on Beks by Western regulators.
The vessel is linked to environmental safety incidents that occurred off Finland in December 2024, when the vessel drifted due to a technical malfunction, and in January 2025, north of the German island of Rügen, when the vessel was sailing from the russian port of Vysotsk with cargo to Tunisia and drifted due to an engine malfunction.
On June 17, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker in connection with the carrying crude oil/petroleum products that originated in russia from russia to a third countries.
After the sanctions were imposed on the vessel, its management, name, and flag country changed.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 24, 2026, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In June 2026, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
View profile
KAMELOT
Vessel name
KAMELOT
IMO
9265873
Flag (Current)
Sierra Leone Sierra Leone
Vessel Type
Oil Products Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
Since August 2023, after the introduction of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products, the tanker has been actively involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas, including using deceptive, high-risk practices.
The vessel is engaged in shadow activities, STS transmissions, in particular in the vicinity of russian ports in the Black Sea.
In November 2023, an STS transfer took place near Greece with the tanker IMO 9334557, 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 under Western sanctions. There is also an STS transmission with the tanker IMO 9384095, affiliated with MRK Shipmanagement SRL (Moldova) and Tidal Tech Mariners LLC (Azerbaijan), which are among dozens of companies from Moldova and Azerbaijan involved in the management of the fleet of wet cargo tankers of russian origin, which played a significant role in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products under Western sanctions.
The tanker is affiliated with the Moldovan company BPC Shipmanagement SRL, which became the commercial and technical manager of the vessel in May 2023, while in May 2023 the owner of the vessel became Blue Sea Navigation Ltd (IMO 6390405), registered in the Seychelles at Suite 10, 3rd Floor, La Ciotat, Mont Fleuri, Mahe Island Seychelles, which is widely used for registration of shipping companies involved in the transportation of russian crude oil/petroleum products. Since April 2024, commercial management has been transferred to the company-owner, technical management - to Vvave Minder Shipmanagement (Azerbaijan) since August 2024, Tidal Tech Mariners LLC (Azerbaijan) since February 2025, while the company-owner has not changed, which may indicate the unchanged beneficiary of the vessel.
In August 2025, there was another change of ownership and management of the vessel to companies from the Marshall Islands and Azerbaijan.
After the change of management, the tanker continues to call at russian ports with oil terminals.
On October 15, 2025, the United Kingdom 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.
In June 2026, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
View profile
RCELEBRA
Vessel name
RCELEBRA
IMO
9286073
Flag (Current)
Cameroon Cameroon
Vessel Type
Crude Oil Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
During the period of the G7+ oil embargo and the price-cap policy on russian crude oil / petroleum products, the VLCC tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil / petroleum products via STS transfers. The tanker is also involved in the transportation of Iranian and Venezuelan crude oil / petroleum products (Jose terminal).
The vessel received crude oil through STS operations from three Aframax tankers in Morocco, two of which are affiliated with the sanctioned company One Moon Marine Services, which ensured the export of russian crude oil / petroleum products through its fleet.
In August 2024, the tanker carried out an STS transfer in the Gwangyang anchorage area (South Korea) with the sanctioned tanker IMO 9301407, affiliated with the sanctioned russian PJSC Sovcomflot, the largest state-owned shipping company in russia for servicing and supporting offshore hydrocarbon production, transportation of russian crude oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas. The main 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.
Since February 25, March 4, 2025, the EU and Switzerland respectively have imposed sanctions on the tanker for the transportation of crude oil/oil 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 July 18, 2025, the EU amended the sanctions).
On May 28, 2026, the United States imposed sanctions on a tanker for transporting Iranian crude oil on at least three occasions between August 2025 and May 2026 through ship-to-ship (STS) transfers, including with the sanctioned tanker IMO 9237539.
In June 2026, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
View profile
To top