Marine vessels

The tanker is involved in the export of russian oil, including in violation of the G7 and EU oil embargo, in February 2023, transported russian crude oil to the EU (to the Gulf of Lakonikos, Greece) from the ports of Tuapse, Caucasus (russia). The vessel affiliated with the beneficiaries of the sanctioned shipping company Hennesea Holdings Limited (UAE), founded in late 2022, operating in the maritime sector of the russian economy. Shortly before the entry into force of the price-cap policy, Hennesea acquired old tankers transporting russian crude oil and oil products and entering russian ports. In January 2024, USA imposed sanctions to vessels affiliated with the beneficiaries of Hennesea.

The tanker is involved in the export of russian oil, including to EU countries in violation of the G7 and EU oil embargo, in particular, in June 2023 voyaged from the Black Sea port of Tuapse (russia) to transvesselment points off the coast of countries that have imposed an oil embargo on russian oil (Lakonikos Gulf, Greece); twice transported russian crude oil in violation of the G7 oil embargo from russian ports on the Black Sea to EU countries in May 2023 (from the port of Tuapse to Lakonikos Gulf, Greece). The vessel affiliated with the beneficiaries of the sanctioned shipping company Hennesea Holdings Limited (UAE), founded in late 2022, operating in the maritime sector of the russian economy. Shortly before the entry into force of the price-cap policy, Hennesea acquired old tankers transporting russian crude oil and oil products and entering russian ports. In January 2024, USA imposed sanctions to vessels affiliated with the beneficiaries of Hennesea.

Affiliated with the beneficiaries of the sanctioned shipping company Hennesea Holdings Limited (UAE), founded in late 2022, operating in the maritime sector of the russian economy. Shortly before the entry into force of the price-cap policy, Hennesea acquired old tankers transporting russian crude oil and oil products and entering russian ports. In January 2024, USA imposed sanctions to vessels affiliated with the beneficiaries of Hennesea. On December 03, 2024, the vessel, under USA sanctions, called at the port of Yeosu (South Korea), departing from the russian port of Nakhodka, while during the voyage the ship changed its name (October 08, 2024, flag country, etc.).

The vessel carried out transportation from russian ports in the Black Sea of oil products to EU countries via raid transvesselment in violation of the G7 and EU oil embargo in August 2023 (from the port of Kavkaz to the port of Malta). In January 2024, USA sanctions imposed to vessels affiliated with the beneficiaries of Hennesea Holdings Limited (UAE), a sanctioned shipping company founded in late 2022, operating in the maritime sector of the russian economy. Shortly before the price-cap policy came into effect, Hennesea acquired old tankers that transport russian crude oil and petroleum products and entering russian ports.

The vessel is involved in the transportation of russian crude oil during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo on russian oil and the price cap policy at $60 per barrel of russian oil. The tanker was transporting russian Urals crude oil at a price of more than $70 after the price-cap policy came into effect. The owner and manager of the tanker is Kroeger Tankers Fze (UAE), the previous owner was HS Atlantica Limited (Liberia), a sanctioned company involved in the transportation of crude oil originating in russia. In January 2024, USA imposed sanctions on the HS Atlantica (current name Avril) for violating the price-cap policy.

The vessel is involved in the transportation of russian crude oil during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo on russian oil and the price cap policy at $60 per barrel of russian oil. The tanker was transporting russian Urals crude oil at a price of more than $70 after the price-cap policy came into effect. The vessel is owned by Sterling shipping Incorporated, managed by sanctioned company Oil Tankers SCF MGMT FZCO, affiliated with the sanctioned 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 amid sanctions restrictions on 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 affiliated 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 December 2023, USA imposed sanctions on NS Champion (now Kotlas) for non-compliance with the price-cap policy for russian oil.

The vessel is involved in the transportation of russian crude oil during the G7 and EU oil embargo and in violation of the price cap policy of $60 per barrel of russian oil. The vessel is owned by Gallion Navigation Inc, a manager of the russian company Invest Fleet LLC, controlled by the sanctioned Sovcomflot PJSC, 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 amid sanctions restrictions on 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 November 2023, USA imposed sanctions on three vessels (including "NS Century" (current name "Karelia")) affiliated with the sanctioned company Sovcomflot, which were involved in the export of russian crude oil at a price of more than $60 per barrel after the price-cap policy for russian oil came into effect.

The vessel is involved in the transportation of russian crude oil during the G7 and EU oil embargo and violated the price cap policy of $60 per barrel of russian oil. Since January 2024, the vessel has been owned and managed by the russian company South Fleet LLC, controlled by 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 amid sanctions restrictions on 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 gas under Western sanctions. The previous owner of the "Ligovsky Prospect" tanker is the sanctioned Progress shipping company Limited (UAE), affiliated with PJSC Sovcomflot. The change of the tanker's owner and manager to a russian shipping company took place after sanctions were imposed on Progress shipping company Limited (UAE). In November 2023, USA imposed sanctions on three vessels (including "Ligovsky Prospect") affiliated with the sanctioned company Sovcomflot, which were involved in the export of russian crude oil at a price of more than $60 per barrel after the price-cap policy for russian oil came into force.

The vessel is involved in the transportation of russian crude oil during the G7 and EU oil embargo and in violation of the price cap policy of $60 per barrel of russian oil. The vessel is owned by Kazan shipping Inc (UAE), the manager of Oil Tankers SCF MGMT FZCO (UAE), affiliated with 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 amid sanctions restrictions on 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 November 2023, USA imposed sanctions on three vessels (including the "Kazan") affiliated with the sanctioned company Sovcomflot, which were involved in the export of russian crude oil at a price of more than $60 per barrel after the price-cap policy for russian oil came into effect.

The vessel is involved in the transportation of russian crude oil during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo on russian oil and the price cap policy at $60 per barrel of russian oil. The tanker was transporting russian crude oil at a price of over $75 after the price-cap policy came into effect. The owner and manager of the tanker is the russian company South Fleet LLC, the previous owner was the sanctioned company Lumber Marine SA, affiliated with 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 amid 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 affiliated 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 October 2023, USA imposed sanctions on the "SCF Primorye" vessel for violating the price-cap policy.

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 russian oil from the russian ports of Primorsk and Ust-Luga in the Baltic Sea to third countries, and resorts to the practice of conducting 'dark' activities in the Baltic Sea with the AIS signal turned off. The vessel is certified by Lloyd's Register (IACS). The vessel 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 oil/oil products in 2022-2023. The shipping company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE) was established by former Socar CEO Mathieu Philippe as a subsidiary of the Swiss Fractal Shipping SA 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 the leading operators of the russian shadow fleet, which in early 2023 assembled a fleet of about 90 tankers, 90% of which transported russian oil/oil products from the Baltic and black sea 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 oil/oil products. India, UAE - the jurisdictions of the leading shadow fleet operators Fractal Marine DMCC, Gatik Ship Management and Radiating World Shipping Services LLC, have not joined the price-cap policy and do not apply restrictions to russian oil. Fractal Marine DMCC, Gatik Ship Management and Radiating World Shipping Services LLC in the tanker market helped russian oil to continue circulating around the world and the russian government to provide multibillion-dollar revenues bypassing the sanctions. After Fractal Marine was sanctioned, DMCC tried to challenge the sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom but failed in court. After that, the company 're-signed' its fleet to other companies established, in particular, in the UAE. Thus, 5 tankers previously managed by Fractal Marine DMCC - BRIONT (IMO 9252955), TAGOR (IMO 9282481), CHARMINAR (IMO 9318022), ANTARES I (IMO 9382073), ETHERA (IMO 9387279) - were transferred to the management of Algae Ship Charter FZCO, based in the UAE. These vessels, managed by Algae Ship Charter FZCO, continue to export russian oil/oil products from the russian ports of Primorsk and Ust-Luga in the Baltic Sea. Against the backdrop of sanctions, russia is using a scheme of 'juggling' shadow fleet vessels between related companies to conceal oil exports beyond the restrictions, the real owners of the vessels, and to ensure unimpeded transportation of fossil fuels, and is creating new companies (in the UAE, Hong Kong, India, Turkey, and other jurisdictions) with non-transparent organizational and ownership structures. There is a constant change of ship management, renaming of vessels with a change of flag, MMSI, call-sign. Shadow fleet vessels operate under 'convenient flags', which allows them to conceal their true origin and avoid control by international organizations and insurance companies. The outdated shadow fleet, transporting huge volumes of crude oil through narrow straits close to the coastline, without proper P&I insurance, with the AIS system turned off, threatens an environmental disaster with significant economic costs. According to CREA, from January to August 2024, the number of shadow tankers crossing the Danish Straits in Europe increased by 277% compared to the same period in 2022, with 64% of the 46 million tons of russian marine oil transported through the Danish Straits being transported by shadow tankers. During the same period, the number of shadow tankers in the Straits of Dover and Gibraltar increased by 355% compared to 2022, transporting 67% of the 37 million tons of oil through the straits. The Suez Canal experienced a staggering 649% increase in shadow tanker traffic, with 69% of the 52 million tons of russian crude oil passing through it being transported by these vessels. The shadow tanker fleet continues to provide multibillion-dollar revenues for the Kremlin bypassing sanctions, poses significant environmental safety hazards with significant economic costs for coastal countries and/or the international community due to the outdated and inadequate insurance of shadow fleet tankers.

Since August 2022, the tanker has been involved in the export of russian oil, engaged in dark activities in the Baltic Sea near the port of Ust-Luga (October 2024), near Oman (October 2022, May 2023), Indonesia (July, December 2022). The vessel is certified by the Korean Register (IACS). According to the American human rights group United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), which monitors Iranian-related tanker traffic using satellite data, the vessel was involved in the transportation of Iranian oil and has switched to transporting russian oil since 2022. Since the beginning of russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, more than 90 vessels that previously helped Tehran export Iranian export oil are now helping russia transport russian oil/oil products. In May 2022, UANI first predicted that russia would turn to a 'ghost armada' to ensure oil flows to its Chinese partner. The international public organization Greenpeace refers to the tanker as a shadow fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world and threatening the environment.