Shadow Fleet

Marine vessels involved in the transportation of sanctioned oil
Total number:
1404
Marine vessels
534
Masters
Updated: 07.05.2026
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more than 100 million tons (approximately 17% of the world`s oil tanker fleet) consists of more than a thousand mostly outdated, poorly maintained vessels without proper insurance, with ‘confusing’ ownership and management structures located in ‘friendly’ jurisdictions, under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: 88 516 тис.тоннTotal: 854
BELOMOR
Vessel name
BELOMOR
IMO
9384435
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
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 using deceptive, high-risk practices (AIS deactivation, STS transfers, in particular in May 2025 with a sanctioned tanker of the russian shadow fleet IMO 9334557).
The tanker is affiliated with the sanctioned PJSC Oil Company Rosneft and PJSC Sovcomflot. PJSC Sovcomflot is russia's largest state-owned shipping company providing services for offshore hydrocarbon production and transportation of russian crude oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas. The main charterers of Sovcomflot PJSC vessels are russia's largest oil and gas companies and traders. PJSC Sovcomflot participates in the servicing of major oil and gas projects in russia: Sakhalin-1, Sakhalin-2, Varandey, Prirazlomnoye, Novy Port, Yamal LNG, and others.
The tanker calls at the port of Talagi, where the assets of PJSC Oil Company Rosneft (formerly Arkhangelsknefteprodukt) are located.
On May 9, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In August 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the captain of the tanker IMO 9384435.
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.
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IRA
Vessel name
IRA
IMO
9270749
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
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 in the Gulf of Finland and the Pacific region using deceptive practices (disabling AIS, conducting dark activities in the Gulf of Finland).
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.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.
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BARENTS
Vessel name
BARENTS
IMO
9384447
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
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.
The tanker is affiliated with the sanctioned PJSC Oil Company Rosneft and PJSC Sovcomflot. PJSC Sovcomflot is russia's largest state-owned shipping company providing services for offshore hydrocarbon production and transportation of russian crude oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas. The main charterers of Sovcomflot PJSC vessels are russia's largest oil and gas companies and traders. PJSC Sovcomflot participates in the servicing of major oil and gas projects in russia: Sakhalin-1, Sakhalin-2, Varandey, Prirazlomnoye, Novy Port, Yamal LNG, and others.
The tanker calls at the port of Talagi, where the assets of PJSC Oil Company Rosneft (formerly Arkhangelsknefteprodukt) are located.
On May 9, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since May 21 and June 3, 2025, the EU and Switzerland have imposed sanctions on the tanker for transporting crude oil/petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular shipping practices with a high degree of risk, as specified in Resolution A.1192(33) of the General Assembly of the International Maritime Organization.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In August 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the tanker's captain.
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.
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SATURN I
Vessel name
SATURN I
IMO
9655470
Flag (Current)
russian federation russian federation
Vessel Type
Oil Products Tanker
Category
Cargo transportation from/to ТОТ of Ukraine
icon arrow-tree Calling ports of the TOT
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 calls at ports in the TOT Crimea of Ukraine.
The tanker is affiliated with the sanctioned russian company Prime Shipping LLC, which provides ISM management of the vessel.
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.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.
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SONA
Vessel name
SONA
IMO
9428358
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
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 in the Pacific region.
The tanker is affiliated with Galena Ship Management, an Indian company associated with Gatik Ship Management, one of the leading operators of the so-called "shadow" fleet involved in the transportation of russian crude oil/petroleum products in 2022-2023 under Western sanctions. In 2023, Galena Ship Management, together with Gaurik Ship Management, Caishan Ship Management, Plutos Ship Management, Geras Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Orion Ship Management, Nautilus Shipping, Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment, Zidan Ship Management, was involved in a scheme to "juggle" vessels managed by Gatik Ship Management to avoid sanctions.
Galena Ship Management was the ISM manager of the tanker from March to October 2023. Tankers operated/managed by India's Gatik Ship Management and its related companies continue to call at russian ports.
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 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.
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.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.
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ELODIE I
Vessel name
ELODIE I
IMO
9346873
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
The tanker, during the period of the G7, EU 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 ports in the Baltic and Black Seas in 2024, including active darknetting in the area north of the Kerch Strait in the Sea of Azov, from russian ports in the Pacific region in 2025.
At the same time, since the beginning of 2024, the tanker has had a new owner and commercial manager - Octans Dorne Ltd (Hong Kong), the fleet of which consists of only one vessel.
The international public organization Greenpeace refers to the tanker as a shadow fleet of tankers that transport russian oil around the world and threaten the environment.
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.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.
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INDUS 1
Vessel name
INDUS 1
IMO
9360415
Flag (Current)
Equatorial Guinea Equatorial Guinea
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
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 in the Baltic and Black Seas, including the use of deceptive, high-risk practices (disabling AIS, conducting dark activities, STS transmissions, in particular, near European countries, including with shadow fleet tankers).
The tanker is 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/petroleum products under Western sanctions, and the company Caishan Ship Management, which is affiliated with Gatik, which in 2023, together with Plutos Ship Management, Galena Ship Management, Gaurik Ship Management, Geras Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Orion Ship Management, Nautilus Shipping, Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment, Zidan Ship Management, was involved in a scheme to "juggle" vessels managed by Gatik Ship Management to avoid sanctions.
Gatik Ship Management and Plutos Ship Management were the previous managers of the tanker.
Tankers operated/managed by India's Gatik Ship Management continue to be used by related companies and call at russian ports.
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.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.
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IRON WAVE
Vessel name
IRON WAVE
IMO
9248796
Flag (Current)
Cameroon Cameroon
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
The tanker during the period of the G7, EU oil embargo on russian crude oil/petroleum products is involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports, including the use of deceptive, high-risk practices (disabling AIS, conducting dark activities, making STS transmissions with russian affiliations). The tanker is involved in an organized chain of supply of russian crude oil/petroleum products to third countries by conducting STS transmissions in the area near European countries, in particular, with the sanctioned tanker IMO 9247443, which has been in the area near Greece since July 2024, Cyprus has been acting as a transshipment STS hub for russian crude oil/petroleum products, which are transported by tankers mainly from the russian ports of Tuapse, Novorossiysk, Taman crude oil/petroleum products transshipment complex for transshipment near European countries.
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.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.
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FEI YUN HE
Vessel name
FEI YUN HE
IMO
9263198
Flag (Current)
Cameroon Cameroon
Vessel Type
Chemical/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 shadow fleet tankers and vessels, affiliated with the russian sanctioned PAO Sovcomflot, the largest state-owned shipping company in russia that services and supports offshore hydrocarbon production, transportation of russian oil, oil products, and liquefied natural gas, whose main charterers are the largest oil and gas companies and traders in russia. Transshipment of crude oil/petroleum products of russian origin at sea using the STS method allows concealing the ownership and origin of the cargo, and 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 makes calls at the ports of the TOT Crimea of Ukraine (in particular, in March 2025), the Sheskharis terminal (port of Novorossiysk), which is a transshipment complex, the end point of the main pipelines of Chernomortransneft JSC (TIN: 2315072242, under US sanctions), a subsidiary of the sanctioned russian PJSC Transneft (TIN: 7706061801), the Taman crude oil/petroleum products transshipment complex, systematically engages in dark activities near russian ports in the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov, and the Kerch Strait.
In March 2025, after leaving the Kerch Strait area, where the vessel had been conducting dark activities for a long time, the tanker made an STS transfer near Greece with the IMO 9402732 VLCC-class tanker 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/petroleum products under Western sanctions in 2022-2023.
In December 2024, January, March 2025, in the Temryuk Bay area, tanker IMO 9263198 made an STS transfer with tanker IMO 9224441, which is affiliated with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot through related companies, including the sanctioned Sun Ship Management, SCF Management Services LTD.
In December 2024, February 2025, in the Kerch Strait and the russian port of Gelendzhik, respectively, tanker IMO 9263198 carried out an STS transfer with tanker IMO 9258167, affiliated with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot.
In December 2024, in the Kerch Strait area, tanker IMO 9263198 conducted an STS transmission with tanker IMO 9236640, which is considered part of the shadow fleet and was subject to US sanctions in January 2025.
In December 2024, in the Kerch Strait area, tanker IMO 9263198 bunkered the vessel IMO 9715270, which was involved in the export of Ukrainian grain from the port of Sevastopol (TOT Crimea, Ukraine) to Iran and Syria.
In July 2024 and April 2023, the tanker IMO 9263198 was involved in the export of russian oil products (over 65 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 sea terminal, is located. The sender of the cargo was the sanctioned russian company Rosneft, and the shipment was also made at the request of Turkiye Petrol Rafinerileri A.S. The recipient of the cargo was Guron Trading Limited (Hong Kong), which was sanctioned by the United States in January 2025 as part of the restrictions on traders in russian oil, and at the request of Square Energy DMCC.
The tanker calls at ports in the TOT of Ukraine, in particular the port of Kamysh-Burun in August 2025.
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.
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