Shadow Fleet

During the period of the G7, 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, including through STS transfers, and engages in shady activities near the russian ports of Ust-Luga and Tuapse.
In February and March 2023, the tanker IMO 9293959 was involved in several operations to export russian petroleum products (over 60 thousand tons) from the russian port of Tuapse, where the production complex belonging to the sanctioned Rosneft Oil Company, the Tuapse Oil Refinery with a sea terminal, is located. The sender of the cargo was the sanctioned russian Rosneft, and the recipient was sanctioned company Bellatrix Energy Limited.
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.
In August 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the tanker's masters.
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.

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 used since 2023 to export russian petroleum products from the ports of St. Petersburg, Novorossiysk, Arkhangelsk (Talagi), Tuapse to Turkey, Georgia, Malta, Tunisia, and Morocco.
The vessel is also involved in supplying jet fuel to russia. Specifically, in August 2026, the tanker, under the command of master Refly Johnny Sumual (the Indonesian citizen), delivered more than 28,500 metric tons of JET A-1 aviation fuel from the Egyptian port of El Deheila to the terminal of JSC Petersburg Oil Terminal.

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 light-grade russian petroleum products from the ports of Tuapse, Taman, Novorossiysk, Arkhangelsk (Talagi), Ust-Luga, and Primorsk to Turkey, as well as via STS transfers with tankers from the russian shadow fleet.
On May 9, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker as part of restrictions targeting the russian shadow fleet.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since July 20, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the tanker for transporting crude oil and petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, engaging in irregular and high-risk shipping practices, as specified in International Maritime Organization General Assembly Resolution A.1192 (33).
Since August 12, 2025, Switzerland has 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 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the vessel’s master.
The shadow tanker IMO 9290828 has been flying the russian flag since July 2026.

During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the G7+ countries’ price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products, the tanker has been involved in the export of russian petroleum products, primarily from the russian ports of Novorossiysk, Taman, and Tuapse, including through STS transfers with the vessels of the hadow fleet near European countries. Transshipment of oil/oil products of russian origin by STS method at sea 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 oil/oil 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.
In 2023, the tanker was involved in the export of numerous consignments (more than 180 thousand tons) of russian oil products (ordered by Tüpras Türkiye Petrol Rafinerileri A.Ş., Tejarinaft FZCO) from the russian port of Tuapse, where the production complex belonging to the sanctioned PJSC Rosneft Oil Company - Tuapse Oil Refinery with a sea terminal - is located. The shippers of the cargoes were the sanctioned russian Rosneft (four shipments) and Amur Trading FZCO (two shipments).
In March 2024, the tanker exported 30,000 metric tons of petroleum products from the port of Kavkaz to an area near Greece (Kalamata).
In 2025, the tanker was involved in an incident that posed a threat to environmental safety. On August 25, 2024, the vessel was heading to Benghazi (Libya) from Novorossiysk when its engine failed at the entrance to the Bosphorus. The tanker went into the current and became a threat to navigation. Tugs sent to the incident area were able to take the tanker under tow and moved it to an anchorage near Turkel.
In 2025, the vessel continues to export russian oil/oil products from the russian ports of Tuapse and Novorossiysk, in particular, from the Sheskharis terminal, 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), including the use of deceptive practices (turning off AIS, conducting shadowy activities in the Kerch Strait and russian ports in the Black Sea).
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In June 2026, the vessel shipped more than 25,000 metric tons of petroleum products from the port of Novorossiysk to Georgia (Batumi).

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 russian affiliation. Transshipment of crude oil/petroleum products of russian origin by STS method at sea allows concealing the ownership and origin of the cargo, legalizing their supply to the EU, USA 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 engages in dark activities in the Kerch Strait area, near russian ports in the Black Sea, and makes calls, in particular, to the Sheskharis terminal (Novorossiysk), 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 PJSC Transneft (TIN: 7706061801), the port of Tuapse, where the production complex belonging to the sanctioned PJSC Rosneft Oil Company - Tuapse Oil Refinery with a sea terminal, and to the Taman crude oil/petroleum products transshipment complex.
In August and September 2023, the tanker was involved in the export of several batches of petroleum products (over 120 thousand tons in total) (ordered by Tüpras Türkiye Petrol Rafinerileri A.Ş., Tejarinaft FZCO) from the russian port of Tuapse, the shipper of the cargoes was the sanctioned russian Rosneft (three batches), Amur Trading FZCO (one batch).
According to United Against Nuclear Iran, the tanker has been part of an armada of ghosts helping Iran transport Iranian oil since June 2024.
The tanker is affiliated with the sanctioned company Eco Max FZE (UAE).
In October 2024, USA imposed sanctions on the tanker in connection with the illegal supply of Iranian oil and as property in which the sanctioned company Eco Max FZE has an interest.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on 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 mainly from russian ports in the Black Sea, including through STS transfers with russian affiliation. Transshipment of crude oil/petroleum products of russian origin by STS method at sea allows concealing the ownership and origin of the cargo, legalizing their supply to the EU, USA 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 engages in dark activities near russian ports in the Black Sea, Greece, and Turkey, and makes calls, in particular, to the Sheskharis terminal (Novorossiysk), which is a transshipment complex and the end point of the main pipelines of Chernomortransneft JSC (TIN: 2315072242, under USA sanctions), a subsidiary of the sanctioned russian PJSC Transneft (TIN: 7706061801), the port of Tuapse, where the production complex belonging to the sanctioned PJSC Rosneft Oil Company - Tuapse Oil Refinery with a sea terminal is located, and to the Taman crude oil/petroleum products transshipment complex.
In March 2025, after leaving the Sheskharis terminal (Novorossiysk port), the tanker made an STS transfer with tanker IMO 9247443 in the area near Cyprus. Since July 2024, tanker IMO 9247443, without proper insurance of the International P&I Club, has been operating in the area of Greece, Cyprus as a floating transshipment STS hub of russian wet cargo delivered to the area of Greece, Cyprus for transshipment mainly from the russian ports of Tuapse, Novorossiysk, as well as from the Taman crude oil/petroleum products transshipment complex, Primorsk, Ust-Luga. Such deliveries from russian ports for further transshipment via tanker IMO 9247443 in European waters are carried out by a number of tankers, including those affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management.
In July 2023, the tanker was involved in the export of diesel (almost 30 thousand tons) from the russian port of Tuapse, the sender of the cargo was the sanctioned russian PJSC Rosneft, the recipient was GMS Trading Middle East DMCC (UAE), founded on February 16, 2022.
The owner, commercial manager of the tanker is Dory Maritime Co, registered in the Marshall Islands at the address (Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake, Majuro MH 96960, Marshall Islands), which is widely used for registration of companies/owners, managers of shadow fleet vessels.
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as a 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, 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 October 30, 2025, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on the tanker.
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 practices (disabling AIS, conducting dark activities in the Kola Bay area, and russian ports in the Black Sea).
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 owner and commercial manager of the vessel since February 2024 is Seaserenity Shipping Ltd (Antigua and Barbuda), the fleet of which consists of only one tanker IMO 9232929.
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 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 has been implicated in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products, mainly from russian ports in the Pacific region to China, during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products.
On May 20, 2025, the European Union imposed sanctions, which entered 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 International Maritime Organization General Assembly Resolution A.1192(33).
On June 3, 2025, the sanctions imposed by Switzerland on the vessel came into force.
On July 21, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In November 2025, Canada 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, EU oil embargo, price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products is involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports, including through STS transfers, in particular, with the sanctioned tanker IMO 9247443, which since July 2024 in the area near Greece, 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 oil/petroleum products transshipment complex for transshipment near European countries.
The vessel engages in dark activities near the TOT of Crimea in Ukraine, the russian ports of Novorossiysk and Tuapse.
The tanker calls at the Sheskharis 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).
The tanker is affiliated with the Indian companies Orion Ship Management, Geras Ship Management, which in 2023, together with Caishan Ship Management, Plutos Ship Management, Gaurik Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Galena Ship Management, Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment, Zidan Ship Management, were involved in a scheme to "juggle" vessels operated by Gatik Ship Management, one of the leading operators of the shadow fleet involved in the transportation of Russian crude oil/oil products under Western sanctions.
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 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.
The tanker has been flying the russian flag since July 2026.

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 (disabling AIS, conducting dark activities, making STS transmissions with russian affiliations). The tanker is involved in an established 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.
The tanker makes calls at the ports of the TOT Crimea of Ukraine, in particular, in February 2025, it called at the port of Kamysh-Burun.
The tanker is affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management, which in 2022-2023 was among the top players in the shadow tanker fleet involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products under Western sanctions, and Plutos Ship Management, an Indian company associated with Gatik Ship Management, which in 2023, together with Caishan Ship Management, Galena Ship Management, Gaurik Ship Management, Geras Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Orion Ship Management, Zidan Ship Management, and other companies, was involved in a scheme to "juggle" vessels operated by Gatik Ship Management to avoid sanctions.
Tankers operated by Gatik Ship Management and transferred to other companies continue to export russian crude oil/petroleum products.
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.
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.

During the period of 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 to China, India, etc. and is engaged in dark activities in the Kola Bay, near the russian port of Novorossiysk in the Black Sea.
On April 11, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of vessel IMO 9250737.
On September 12, 2025, the tanker exported nearly 140,000 tons of russian crude oil to India from the Sheskharis terminal in the port of Novorossiysk. The shipper was the sanctioned russian company PJSC Oil Company Rosneft, and the charterer was Reliance.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

During the period when the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products were in effect, the tanker was used from 2024 to 2026 to transport russian petroleum products from russian Black Sea ports to Turkey and Tunisia.
On April 11, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel IMO 9391402.
In September 2025, the tanker transported 30,500 tons of russian-origin petroleum products from the port of Taman for export to Turkey.
In October 2025, the ship transported nearly 30,000 tons of russian-origin petroleum products from the Sheskharis terminal in the port of Novorossiysk to Tunisia. The shipper was the sanctioned company PJSC Lukoil, and the charterer was Litasco.
The tanker is operated by the Cyprus-based company Cymare Shipmanagement Ltd (IMO 5883981, registration number: HE 309832). Cymare Shipmanagement Ltd is managed by: Andrei Hudzasvili (citizen of the Republic of Estonia) – director; Nikolay Spichenok (citizen of the United Kingdom) – director; Victoria Orlova Papaduri (citizen of the Republic of Cyprus) – serves as director and secretary. A. Hudzasvili and N. Spichenok are also directors of the affiliated Cyprus-based company Cymare Crew Ltd (ΗΕ 359400). In addition, N. Spichenok is the director of Peremoga Investment Ltd (registration number: ΗΕ 300440) and the director of SCF Management Services (Cyprus) Ltd (registration number: HE 42739). From 2012 to 2015, N. Spichenok held the position of director of the technical fleet management department of the sanctioned company PJSC Sovcomflot. Sovcomflot PJSC 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. Sovcomflot PJSC participates in the servicing of major oil and gas projects in russia: Sakhalin-1, Sakhalin-2, Varandey, Prirazlomnoye, Novy Port, Yamal LNG, and others.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.