Shadow Fleet

The tanker has been involved in the transport of Iranian oil and, since russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has begun, it has been used to transport russian crude oil and petroleum products.
The tanker is affiliated with the sanctioned company Al-Qatirji, which used its fleet, including the tanker IMO 9198094, to transport Iranian oil, in particular to China and Syria, on behalf of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force and the Houthis. The Panamanian company Bluespectrum Shipping SA is the registered owner and commercial manager of the vessel. On November 14, 2024, the United States imposed sanctions on the owner and commercial manager of the tanker—Bluespectrum Shipping SA—for providing material assistance, sponsorship, or financial, material, or technological support, as well as goods or services to Al-Qatirji or in support of it.
On November 14, 2024, the United States imposed sanctions on the tanker as property in which the sanctioned company Bluespectrum Shipping SA has an interest.
On February 12, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the transportation of Iranian Pars crude oil through STS transfers with a vessel of the sanctioned National Iranian Tanker Company, a subsidiary of the National Iranian Petroleum Company, which is managed by the Iranian Ministry of Petroleum. Sanctioned Iranian tankers rely on ship-to-ship transfers outside of jurisdictional port limits with non-sanctioned vessels to transport petroleum to foreign customers, obfuscating the oil’s Iranian origin.
The tanker transported numerous shipments of Iranian oil to China.
On February 24, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the tanker.
On February 12, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The vessel is involved in the transportation of Iranian oil using deceptive practices, including manipulation of AIS to conceal attempts to transport Iranian crude oil. The tanker is also involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas during the period of the G7+ oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil/oil products.
On March 13, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on Sun Science International Co. Limited, the owner, operator and manager of the tanker, in connection with its activities in the oil sector of the Iranian economy.
On March 13, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the tanker as a property in which Sun Science International Co. Limited has an interest.
On February 12, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker, during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil and petroleum products, is involved in the export of russian crude oil from russian ports on the Baltic and Black Seas, using deceptive, high-risk shipping practices (such as turning off the AIS in the Gulf of Finland).
In February 2026, the tanker exported nearly 735,000 barrels of Urals crude from the port of Primorsk to Turkey.
In March 2026, the vessel exported over 1 million barrels of Urals crude from the "Sheshkharis" terminal in the port of Novorossiysk, the seller of russian liquid cargo is Redwood Global Supply FZ-LLC (UAE), which was sanctioned by the United Kingdom on December 18, 2025, for activities in the energy sector of the russian economy. Redwood Global Supply FZ-LLC is part of a network of companies linked to the "2Rivers Group," which is considered one of the largest operators of the shadow fleet in the world and the largest trader in russian crude oil.
In May 2026, the vessel exported over 1 million barrels of Urals crude oil from the Sheshkharis terminal in the port of Novorossiysk, specifically on behalf of PJSC Lukoil.
On February 12, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker is involved in transporting Iranian crude oil, exporting russian crude oil from russian ports in the Baltic Sea and the Pacific region to third countries, and engaging in deceptive, high-risk shipping practices (AIS manipulation/spoofing).
The international non-governmental organization Greenpeace classifies the tanker as part of a shadow fleet of tankers that transport russian oil around the world via the Baltic Sea and the Kadetsky Channel area in the Bay of Mecklenburg, posing a threat to the surrounding environment.
The tanker resorted to manipulating its AIS signal while loading crude oil from Sirri Island (Iran) in August 2021, as well as falsifying its MMSI, posing as another vessel, while unloading Iranian oil in Banyas (Syria) in September 2021. In particular, during the unloading of Iranian oil in Banyas (Syria) in September 2021, according to AIS data, the vessel was anchored west of the Cypriot STS transfer zone, while simultaneously sending AIS messages from Spain.
Since russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, more than 100 vessels that previously helped Iran export oil are now helping russia transport russian crude oil and petroleum products.
Many tankers involved in transporting Iranian oil to countries such as China are also involved in Venezuelan trade, including tanker IMO 9183271. 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.
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 crude oil and petroleum products, the tanker has been involved in the export of russian crude oil and petroleum products from russian ports in the Baltic Sea, including through deceptive and high-risk shipping practices such as disabling AIS, particularly in the area of the russian port of Ust-Luga.
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 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.

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.