Shadow Fleet

The tanker, during the period of the G7 and 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, including the use of deceptive, high-risk practices. The vessel engages in dark activities near russian ports in the Black Sea, in the Kerch Strait area. The tanker is calling at the Sheskaris terminal (Novorossiysk port), 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 January 2023, the tanker was involved in the export of a shipment of diesel (almost 30 thousand tons) from the russian port of Tuapse, the exporter of the cargo was the sanctioned russian Oil Company Rosneft, the recipient was Tejarinaft FZCO. There is a production complex in the port of Tuapse that belongs to the sanctioned Rosneft - the Tuapse Oil Refinery with a marine terminal.
In September 2023, after leaving the russian port of Primorsk, in the area near Greece, the tanker made an STS transfer with the tanker IMO 9289752 (under sanctions of the United Kingdom, Canada), affiliated with ARK SeaKonnect Shipmanagment (Mumbai, India), a company associated with Gatik Ship Management (India), which in 2022-2023 was one of the top players in the shadow tanker fleet involved in the export of russian oil. Also in September 2023, in the area near Greece, the tanker made an STS transfer with tankers IMO 9314882, affiliated with Orion Ship Management, IMO 9272931, affiliated with ARK SeaKonnect Shipmanagment, which, in turn, are affiliated with the company Gatik Ship Management (India). Also in November 2023, in the Laconikos Gulf, the tanker made an STS transfer with the tanker IMO 9265873, which is considered part of the shadow fleet and has been actively involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas since August 2023, including the use of deceptive, high-risk practices.
In November 2023, after leaving the russian Taman crude oil/petroleum products transshipment complex, the tanker made an STS transfer with tanker IMO 9334557, affiliated with Gatik Ship Management, in the Laconikos Gulf.
In June 2024, after leaving the russian port of Tuapse, near the port of Said, the tanker made an STS transfer with tanker IMO 9289752 (under sanctions of the United Kingdom, Canada), affiliated with ARK SeaKonnect Shipmanagment (Mumbai, India), affiliated with Gatik Ship Management (India).
In September 2024, the tanker, having departed the russian port of Tuapse, made an STS transmission with the tanker IMO 9298272 in the area near Greece.
In October 2024, in the Kerch Strait area, the tanker made an STS transfer with tanker IMO 9271951 (under sanctions of UK, EU, Switzerland, Canada), which is considered part of the russian shadow fleet and calls at the ports of the TOT Crimea of Ukraine.
On April 11, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the captain of the tanker IMO 9234501.
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).
According to the database of the International Maritime Organization's Global Integrated Shipping Information System (IMO's GISIS), as of July 21, 2025, the ship's flag is unknown. At the same time, the vessel sails under the flag of Panama.
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.

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, including the use of deceptive, high-risk practices (disabling AIS, making STS transmissions).
In October 2023, after leaving the port of Ust-Luga, the tanker made an STS transmission with tanker IMO 9378620 (under UK sanctions), affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management and its affiliated company Galena Ship Management, near Malta.
In April 2024, after leaving a russian port, in the area near Greece, in July 2024, after leaving a russian port, in the area near Malta, the tanker made an STS transfer with the tanker IMO 9323974, affiliated with Megger Marine Solutions FZE (UAE), whose fleet includes the tanker IMO 9250543 (under sanctions of the United Kingdom and Canada), which since August 2023 has been involved in the export of russian oil from russian ports in the Baltic Sea, mainly to India.
In April 2024, in the area near Greece, the tanker carried out an STS transfer with tanker IMO 9318034, affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management and the Gatik-related company Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment, in May 2024, in the area near Malta, the tanker carried out an STS transfer with tanker IMO 9419151, affiliated with Gatik Ship Management and the Gatik-related company Caishan Ship Management.
The tanker has made other STS transmissions.
The tanker IMO 9290517 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 under Western sanctions, and the company Caishan Ship Management, which is related to Gatik, which in 2023, together with Orion Ship Management, Plutos Ship Management, Gaurik Ship Management, Geras Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Galena Ship Management, Nautilus Shipping, Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment, Zidan Ship Management, was involved in a scheme to "juggle" vessels operated by Gatik Ship Management to avoid sanctions. Gatik Ship Management and Caishan Ship Management were the previous managers of the vessel. Tankers operated/managed by the Indian Gatik Ship Management continue to be used by related companies and call at russian ports.
Against the backdrop of sanctions, russia is using a scheme of "juggling" ships between related companies to conceal oil exports outside the price cap and other restrictions, as well as to conceal the real owners of ships, and to ensure unimpeded transportation of fossil fuels by a "shadow" fleet of outdated oil tankers, creates new companies for these purposes (in the UAE, Hong Kong, India, Turkey, Mauritius, Seychelles, and other jurisdictions) with non-transparent organizational and ownership structures. In order to implement this scheme, technical/commercial management and ship owners are constantly changing, and ships are renamed with a change of flag, MMSI, call-sign, including for sanctioned vessels.
On April 11, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the captain of the tanker IMO 9290517.
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.

The tanker, during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products, is actively involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports, in particular from the port of Novorossiysk to Libya, as well as to other countries through STS transmissions, including with the AIS signal turned off in the Kerch Strait, russian ports in the Black Sea, and near Romania.
In the Kerch Strait area, the tanker made STS transmissions in February 2023 with tanker IMO 8727953, owned and operated by the russian company Yarbunker LLC (TIN 760700700140), in February, March, June 2023 with tanker IMO 9637973, in March 2023 with tanker IMO 9612911, owned and operated by the russian company Volgotrans LLC (TIN 6317079434, under Ukrainian sanctions), in March 2023 with the IMO tanker 9838204 owned and operated by the russian company Capital Group JSC (TIN 9722041203).
In April 2023, after leaving the port of Novorossiysk, the tanker near Romania made an STS transfer with tanker IMO 9336490, affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE, under UK sanctions), one of the leading operators of the russian shadow fleet in 2022-2023, which played a significant role in the transportation of russian oil, as well as with Fractal's affiliate Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE).
The tanker systematically calls at the Sheskaris terminal (Novorossiysk port), a transshipment complex that is the end point of the main pipelines of Chernomortransneft JSC (TIN 2315072242, under USA sanctions), a subsidiary of the sanctioned Transneft PJSC (TIN 7706061801).
On April 11, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the captain of the tanker IMO 9264283.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

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 Sea, conducting deceptive, high-risk practices, in particular, conducting dark activities with AIS turned off near the russian port of Ust-Luga, Portugal (in March 2024), Oman (for 5 days in November 2023), Yemen (for 3 days in October 2023), Morocco (in January 2023), and STS transmissions, in particular near Greece.
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.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.

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 February 24, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In June 2025, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since October 24, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since October 30, 2025, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on the tanker.
Since December 13, 2025, Switzerland has 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.

Since November 2024, the tanker has been involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from a russian port in the Baltic Sea with AIS disabled.
In September 2024, Lai Jing Shipping LTD (Hong Kong) became the owner and commercial manager of the tanker, and Hua Xia Shipmanagement Co LTD became the ISM manager.
In October 2024, the tanker was certified by the China Classification Society (IACS).
On February 24, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker as part of the restrictions on the russian shadow fleet.
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.
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 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.

The tanker during the period of the G7+ 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 Baltic and Black Seas, in particular, using deceptive, high-risk practices.
In September 2024, the ISM management of the tanker was transferred to Seafaring Savants LLC (Azerbaijan) from the Moldovan company MRK Shipmanagement SRL. The Moldovan company MRK Shipmanagement SRL, along with a number of other Moldovan companies, is involved in the creation of a part of the shadow fleet involved in the export of Russian oil/oil products. The shadow tankers managed by Moldovan companies (Adel Ship Management SRL, BPC Shipmanagement SRL, MRK Shipmanagement SRL, KSN Shipmanagement SRL, OST Shipmanagement SRL, Surt Ship Management SRL, SAL Shipmanagement SRL, FLC Shipmanagement SRL) are being transferred to the management of Azerbaijani companies, including Dream Island Shipping LLC, Ocean Voyage LLC, Tidal Tech Mariners LLC, Seafaring Savants LLC, VVave Minder Shipmanagement, Triton Technical Services LLC, Navigenix Shipmanagement LLC, Nautilus Fleet Management LLC, Harbor Harmony Shipmanagement, and others.
In December 2024, near Greece, the tanker made an STS transfer with tanker IMO 9318034, 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.
On February 24, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker as part of the restrictions on the russian shadow fleet.
On February 24, March 04, 2025, the EU and Switzerland respectively imposed sanctions 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) (the EU sanctions will come into force on February 25, 2025).
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In June 2025, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since September 12, 2025, New Zealand has 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.

The tanker, during the period of the G7+ oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products, is involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products, in particular from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas, using deceptive, high-risk practices (disabling AIS, STS transmissions near Greece).
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 under Western sanctions, and the company Galena Ship Management, which is affiliated with Gatik, which in 2023, together with Gaurik Ship Management LLP, Caishan Ship Management, Plutos Ship Management, Geras Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Orion Ship Management LLP, Nautilus Shipping, Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment LLC, Zidan Ship Management, was involved in a scheme to "juggle" vessels operated by Gatik Ship Management to avoid sanctions.
Gatik Ship Management and Galena Ship Management were the previous managers of the tanker. Tankers operated/managed by the Indian Gatik Ship Management continue to be used by related companies and call at russian ports.
The tanker IMO 9307815, which left the port of Ust-Luga on December 01, 2023, carried out an STS transfer of russian crude oil/petroleum products in January 2024 near Greece to the tanker IMO 9419151, affiliated with Gatik Ship Management.
On February 24, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker as part of its restrictions on the russian shadow fleet.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In June 2025, Australia 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 October 30, 2025, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on the tanker.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.

During the period of the G7+ 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, in particular, with the AIS turned off.
In July 2024, ISM management of the tanker was transferred to Navigenix Shipmanagement LLC (Azerbaijan) from the Moldovan company MRK Shipmanagement SRL. The Moldovan company MRK Shipmanagement SRL, with a number of other Moldovan companies, is involved in the formation of a part of the shadow fleet involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products. The shadow tankers managed by Moldovan companies (Adel Ship Management SRL, BPC Shipmanagement SRL, MRK Shipmanagement SRL, KSN Shipmanagement SRL, OST Shipmanagement SRL, Surt Ship Management SRL, SAL Shipmanagement SRL, FLC Shipmanagement SRL) are transferred to the management of Azerbaijani companies, in particular Dream Island Shipping LLC, Ocean Voyage LLC, Tidal Tech Mariners LLC, Seafaring Savants LLC, VVave Minder Shipmanagement, Triton Technical Services LLC, Navigenix Shipmanagement LLC, Nautilus Fleet Management LLC, Harbor Harmony Shipmanagement, and others.
Since March 2025, the commercial and ISM-manager of the tanker has been changed to Aqua Fleet Management LLC (Azerbaijan).
The tanker is also affiliated with Harry Victor Ship Management and Operation LLC, a sanctioned company, which is sanctioned by USA for providing material assistance, sponsorship or financial, material or technological support to Triliance Petrochemical Co. Limited, which is involved in the sale of Iranian petrochemical products. Harry Victor Ship Management and Operation LLC managed the tanker in 2020-2023.
On February 24, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker as part of restrictions on the shadow fleet of the russian federation.
On February 24, March 04, 2025 EU and Switzerland respectively imposed sanctions on the tanker for transporting crude oil/oil products originating in or exported from russia using irregular and high-risk shipping practices as specified in the International Maritime Organization General Assembly resolution A.1192 (33) (EU sanctions will enter into force on February 25, 2025).
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.

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.
In January 2025, the ISM management of the tanker was transferred to Maritime Mavens LLC (Azerbaijan) from the Moldovan company BPC Shipmanagement SRL. At the same time, the security management of another tanker IMO 9424651 was transferred from BPC Shipmanagement SRL to Maritime Mavens LLC.The Moldovan company BPC Shipmanagement SRL, along with a number of other Moldovan companies, is involved in the creation of a part of the shadow fleet involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products. The shadow tankers managed by Moldovan companies (Adel Ship Management SRL, MRK Shipmanagement SRL, BPC Shipmanagement SRL, KSN Shipmanagement SRL, OST Shipmanagement SRL, Surt Ship Management SRL, SAL Shipmanagement SRL, FLC Shipmanagement SRL) are transferred to the management of Azerbaijani companies, in particular Dream Island Shipping LLC, Ocean Voyage LLC, Tidal Tech Mariners LLC, Seafaring Savants LLC, VVave Minder Shipmanagement, Triton Technical Services LLC, Nautilus Fleet Management LLC, Harbor Harmony Shipmanagement, and others.
As of July 17, 2025, the ISM management of the tanker is carried out by AQUA FLEET MANAGEMENT LLC (Azerbaijan), the fleet of which includes two more sanctioned tankers IMO 9266475 and IMO 9209972.
Within the framework of restrictions on the russian shadow fleet, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker on February 24, 2025.
On February 24, March 04, 2025 EU and Switzerland respectively imposed sanctions on the tanker for transporting crude oil/oil products originating in or exported from russia using irregular and high-risk shipping practices as specified in the International Maritime Organization General Assembly resolution A.1192 (33) (EU sanctions will enter into force on February 25, 2025).
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In June 2025, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since September 12, 2025, New Zealand has 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.

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, in particular, from russian ports in the Baltic Sea.
The tanker is affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE, under United Kingdom sanctions for its involvement in servicing the energy sector of the russian economy). Fractal Marine DMCC is considered to be one of the leading operators of the so-called shadow fleet involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products under Western sanctions in 2022-2023. The shipping company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE) was established shortly before the G7 countries introduced a price-cap policy on russian crude oil/oil products and played a significant role in the transportation of russian crude oil/oil products under sanctions.
After the sanctions were imposed on Fractal Marine DMCC, the company tried to appeal the sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom, but lost in court. After that, the company 're-signed' its fleet to other companies. Thus, the tankers previously managed by Fractal Marine DMCC were transferred to new management companies, in particular, Algae Ship Charter FZCO (UAE). The vessels managed by Algae Ship Charter FZCO continue to export russian crude oil/oil products from the russian ports of Primorsk and Ust-Luga in the Baltic Sea.
The safety management of the tanker from May 2023 to February 2025 was carried out by Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), which also managed 19 other vessels affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC. In particular, on January 10, 2025, the 19-year-old tanker IMO 9308065, which was managed by Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ, loaded with russian crude oil (99 thousand tons) in the port of Ust-Luga, lost control in the Baltic Sea. According to the German Havariekommando, the vessel's power supply system and engine failed, the ship lost its ability to maneuver and began to drift at low speed in the open sea near the island of Rügen. This incident once again demonstrates the growing threat of oil spills by outdated shadow fleet vessels.
The vessel, IMO 9318022, is part of a vast shipping empire controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the son of Ali Shamkhani, the chief political advisor to the Supreme Leader of Iran.
Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani uses corruption through his father's political influence at the highest levels of the Iranian regime to build and operate a huge fleet of tankers and container ships. This network 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.
The Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani network consists of a huge fleet of ships, ship management firms and front companies that launder billions of dollars in profits from global sales of Iranian and russian crude oil and petroleum products, mostly to buyers in China. The network takes significant steps to disguise its operations and obfuscate its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and russia.
The companies Crios Shipping LLC, Fractal Marine DMCC, Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ, Algae Ship Charter FZCO, with which the tanker IMO 9318022 is affiliated, are among the companies that have played a significant role in the management and operation of the Shamkhani tanker fleet. At the same time, Crios Shipping LLC is involved in the supply of missiles, drone components and dual-use goods from Iran to russia in exchange for russian oil supplies.
On July 30, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the tanker IMO 9318022.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

During the G7+ 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 from russian ports on the Baltic and Black Seas, engaging in high-risk practices (STS transfers) in the Gulf of Laconikos (Greece), in particular with tankers affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management. Gatik Ship Management is considered one of the leading operators of the shadow fleet involved in the transportation of russian crude oil/petroleum products in 2022-2023 under western sanctions.
In August 2023, an STS transfer took place in the Gulf of Laconikos (Greece) with the tanker IMO 9402732 of the VLCC class, affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management, which during this period also carried out STS transfers, in particular, with the tanker IMO 9332834, affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management, IMO tanker 9332834 left the russian port of Ust-Luga on July 23, 2023 and arrived in the Gulf of Laconikos on August 09, 2023 (tanker IMO 9332834 has been under UK sanctions since February 24, 2025 for engaging in activities the purpose or effect of which is to destabilize Ukraine, undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine or to benefit from or support the russian government, or to participate in the transportation of crude oil/oil products of russian origin or from russia to a third country). In September 2024, an STS transmission took place with the tanker IMO 9252333 of the VLCC class in the Gulf of Lakonikos (Greece), which, in turn, carries out STS transmissions with tankers arriving in the Gulf of Lakonikos from russian ports, in particular, Ust-Luga.
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as part of the shadow fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world and threatening 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.
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, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since September 18, 2025, Australia has 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 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.