Shadow Fleet

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 from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas, and resorts to conducting dark activities with the AIS disabled.
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.

The vessel is involved in the transportation of Iranian crude oil/petroleum products. Many tankers involved in transporting Iranian oil to countries such as China are also involved in Venezuelan trade, including tanker IMO 9213313. On June 11, 2022, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi signed a 20-year cooperation agreement to expand ties in the oil and petrochemical industries, as well as in the military and economic spheres. Since then, bilateral ties have begun to develop. Most cargo is transported by ships belonging to the sanctioned National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) in both directions. A significant number of ships flying under foreign (non-Iranian) flags are also involved in this trade.
Since June 2023, the tanker has also been involved in the transportation of russian crude oil/petroleum products. Since the full-scale russian invasion into Ukraine in February 2022, more than 100 vessels that previously helped Iran export Iranian crude oil are now assisting russia in transporting russian oil/petroleum products.
From April 2023 to January 2024, the tanker was affiliated with the Chinese company Runfeng Shipmanagement Co Ltd, the fleet of which, as of April 23, 2025, includes one sanctioned vessel IMO 9174220, involved in the transportation of iranian oil to numerous refineries in China, STS transshipment with a vessel of the sanctioned National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) near Singapore to transport tens of thousands of metric tons of Iranian crude oil.
On February 12, 2026, Ukraine 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 in the Baltic and Black Seas, and resorts to the practice of turning off the AIS signal and conducting so-called 'dark activities' at sea (in the Kerch Strait in the Black Sea, off the southern coast of India).
The international NGO Greenpeace considers the tanker to be part of the shadow fleet.
The owner and commercial manager of the vessel is an unknown company called TRACTION SHIPHOLDING LTD, registered in the Marshall Islands at Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake, Majuro MH 96960. This address in the Marshall Islands is identical to the address of a whole group of shipowners/managers of oil tankers belonging to the shadow fleet.
On February 12, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the vessel.

During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo, the tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil from russian ports to third countries.
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.
According to GISIS IMO, as of early July 2025, the vessel's flag is marked as "Guinea False".
As of July 12, 2025, the tanker is anchored near Sharjah (UAE).
Since September 12, 2025, the United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In November 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 12, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since February 2026, the vessel has been sailing under the flag of the russian federation.

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, in particular, India and China.
From November 2021 to January 2025, the sanctioned Cyprus company Lagosmarine Ltd ( ΗΕ 402876) was the commercial and ISM manager of the tanker. The company's director is Dakis Mauroudis, who, in turn, is a director of another Cypriot company, Sparta Shipmanagement Limited (ΗΕ 393698). Lagosmarine Ltd and Sparta Shipmanagement Limited are registered at the same address in Cyprus.
At the same time, Sparta Shipmanagement Limited is affiliated with Latvian citizen Alexey Haliavins, who in 2024 'helped' one of the largest russian oil and gas companies, Surgutneftegaz, to earn $1.4 billion on oil sales above the price ceiling for russian oil set by sanctions.
In 2022, Haliavins claimed to be the general manager of Sparta Shipmanagement Limited, as well as the chairman of the board of directors and ultimate beneficial owner of the OGC group.
Three Dubai-based companies are associated with Oleksiy Haliavins: Black Pearl Energy Trading LLC, OGC Shipping LLC, and Conmar Maritime.
In 2023, Black Pearl Energy Trading LLC and OGC Shipping LLC purchased about 38 million barrels of oil from the russian company Surgutneftegaz at an average price of $83.7 per barrel, which exceeds the price cap for russian oil. In January-May 2024, only Black Pearl Energy Trading bought oil from the russian company, purchasing more than 20.6 million barrels at $83.7. As a result, the russian Surgutneftegaz earned about $1.4 billion bypassing the price ceiling. At the same time, tankers registered to Lagosmarine Ltd, which is affiliated with Sparta Shipmanagement Limited through a joint director, are constantly making voyages between the russian ports of Primorsk, Ust-Luga, Kozmino and India and China. According to customs documents, the same routes were used to move oil sold to Dubai companies linked to Halsavins.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense accuses one of Lagosmarine's tankers, ІМО 9235725, in transporting Iranian oil for the Quds Force and Hezbollah.
According to the United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), the vessel ІМО 9282792 was involved in the transportation of Iranian oil and since January 2022 has switched to transporting russian oil. Since the beginning of russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, more than 100 vessels that previously helped Tehran export Iranian export oil are now helping russia transport russian oil/oil products.
In his LinkedIn profile, Haliavins lists himself as a beneficiary and CEO of Conrad Management Company, which is listed as a sponsor company in the UAE residence permits of employees of the russian state-owned company JSC Foreign Economic Association Promsyryoimport (TIN 9704027750, sanctioned by USA and Ukraine). This russian company is involved in schemes to supply Iranian oil to Syria and the TOT of Crimea.
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.
According to the database of the Global Integrated Shipping Information System of the International Maritime Organization (IMO's GISIS) as of July 28, 2025, the vessel's registered name is AQUA LIVE, the flag is indicated as "Aruba False".
In August 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the tanker's master.
Since September 18, 2025, Australia has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 6, 2026, the US imposed sanctions on a tanker for transporting Iranian crude oil/petroleum products.

The tanker during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and price cap policy on russian oil has been involved since January 2024 in the export of russian oil from russian ports in the Baltic Sea to third countries.
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 vessel is also involved in the transportation of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products.
On December 17, 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since May 21 and June 3, 2025, the EU and Switzerland, respectively, have imposed sanctions on the vessel for transporting crude oil/petroleum products originating in or exported from rRussia, 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, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since October 30, 2025, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on the tanker.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 6, 2026, the US imposed sanctions on a tanker for transporting Iranian oil/oil products.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.

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.
The vessel is involved in circumventing US sanctions, in particular, unloading petroleum products in ports controlled by the Houthis after the expiration of the OFAC General License for Combating Terrorism (GL) 25A.
On September 11, 2025, the US imposed sanctions on the tanker.
Since December 19, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since January 13, 2026, Switzerland has 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.

The tanker is affiliated with Aries Global Investment LTD (Hong Kong), which was sanctioned by the US on December 31, 2025, for its activities in Venezuela's oil sector.
On December 31, 2025, the US imposed sanctions on the vessel for transporting Venezuelan oil and assisting the Maduro regime in circumventing sanctions.

In January 2025, tanker IMO 9227479 carried out an STS transfer near Malaysia with tanker IMO 9238052, which was subject to US sanctions in January 2025 as a tanker considered part of the shadow fleet, calling at a russian port where the price of oil was consistently trading above the price cap for russian oil. After this transfer, the vessel IMO 9238052 entered a Chinese port.
The tanker is affiliated with Delta Ships Management Ltd, which was the commercial manager of the vessel from March 2023 to October 2024. Delta Ships Management Ltd has been managing the sanctioned tanker IMO 9319674 since mid-2023, affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management, which played a key role in the transportation of russian crude oil/petroleum products under western sanctions in 2022-2023.

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 December 2023 in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports in the Pacific region, in the Baltic Sea to third countries, and has been involved in dark activities in the Baltic Sea near the russian ports of Vistino and Ust-Luga, and STS transfers near Malta.
In 2024, a tanker under the command of Captain Suo Zhenguo (Chinese nationality) transported russian petroleum products from the port of Ust-Luga to the UAE.
Since November 2023, the tanker's owner and managers have been changed to Chinese companies.
On December 31, 2025, the US imposed sanctions on a vessel for transporting Venezuelan oil and assisting the Maduro regime in evading sanctions.

The tanker is involved in the transportation of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports to third countries.
The vessel belongs to a group of tankers operated by the turkish company Beks Ship Management and Trading, which was sanctioned by the United Kingdom in early 2024. After the sanctions were imposed, the ships of this Turkish company changed managers and flags and continued to transport russian oil.
In June and October 2024, the EU and Switzerland respectively imposed sanctions on the vessel in relation to the transport of crude oil/petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular and high-risk shipping practices, as specified in Resolution A.1192(33) of the General Assembly of the International Maritime Organization.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the tanker.
On July 21, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since October 30, 2025, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on the tanker.
On December 31, 2025, the US imposed sanctions on a vessel for transporting Venezuelan oil and assisting the Maduro regime in evading sanctions.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.