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, including the use of deceptive, high-risk practices, including the conduct of dark activities near russian ports in the Black Sea, in the Sea of Azov near the Kerch Strait, near the FSO IMO 9217979 (under USA sanctions) in the Kola Bay, and STS transfers of russian crude oil/oil products in the Gulf of Laconikos in July and September 2024 with tankers IMO 9232931 and IMO 9252333, respectively.
The tanker also transported sanctioned Iranian crude oil and switched to transporting russian crude oil.
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 December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker during the period of the G7+ oil embargo, 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 Black Sea, systematic deceptive, high-risk practices (disabling AIS, in particular, in the Kerch Strait area in the Black Sea).
In December 2024, the tanker entered the port of Komysh-Burun in the TOT of Crimea with AIS turned off.
In February 2025, in September-October 2024, near Greece, a tanker that arrived from the Kerch Strait, where it had been conducting so-called "dark activities" for 7 days, and the port of Tuapse, respectively, conducted STS transmissions with the tanker IMO 9402732 of the VLCC class, 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. Transshipment of crude oil/petroleum products of russian origin by STS method allows to conceal the ownership and origin of the cargo, legalize their supply to EU countries, 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.
In October 2024, STS transmissions were made in the Kerch Strait area with tanker IMO 9353125, affiliated with Gatik Ship Management, and tanker IMO 9315446, which was sanctioned by USA on January 10, 2025, as a tanker considered part of the shadow fleet, calling at a russian port where oil is constantly trading above the upper price cap.
In October 2023, the tanker was involved in the export of a batch of petroleum products (over 30 thousand tons) from the russian port of Tuapse by order of Tejarinaft FZCO, the shipper of the cargo was Amur Trading FZCO. There is a production complex in Tuapse belonging to the sanctioned Rosneft - the Tuapse Refinery with a marine terminal.
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 GISIS IMO data, as of July 17, 2025, the vessel's flag is unknown. At the same time, the vessel sails under the flag of Panama.
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, 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 Black Sea, and resorts to deceptive, high-risk practices, in particular, systematic shutdowns of AIS in the Kerch Strait area in the Black Sea, STS transmissions, in particular, in the Kerch Strait area in the Black Sea in February 2025 with the tanker IMO 9185530, which has been under USA sanctions since March 26, 2024 for the transportation of Iranian commodities to China, in November, December 2024, January 2025 in the Gulf of Laconikos with the tanker IMO 9402732 of VLCC class affiliated with the Indian company 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 in 2022-2023.
Since January 2023, the tanker has had three changes of management, flag country, and twice the name of the vessel.
The tanker is affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management and the Gatik-related company Gaurik Ship Management LLP, which in 2023, together with Caishan Ship Management, Plutos Ship Management, Orion Ship Management LLP, Geras Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Galena Ship Management, Nautilus Shipping (India), Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment LLC, Zidan Ship Management, was involved in a scheme to 'juggle' vessels managed by Gatik Ship Management in order to avoid sanctions. Gatik Ship Management and Gaurik Ship Management LLP 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.
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 GISIS IMO data, as of July 17, 2025, the vessel's flag is designated as "Malawi False". As of September 16, 2025, the vessel is registered under the flag of Gambia.
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 is involved in the transportation of sanctioned Iranian crude oil to China, including from storage facilities in China, which is considered part of an established scheme involving the Iranian military, which profits from the sale of Iranian oil through the vessel. In August 2024, the tanker HEDY (IMO 9212888) of the sanctioned National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) was transferred from ship to ship and received more than 600,000 barrels of Iranian crude oil. NITC is a subsidiary of the sanctioned National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), which is one of the largest oil and gas companies in the world and is controlled by the Iranian Ministry of Oil. NIOC and its subsidiaries explore, produce, transport, process and export oil and natural gas in Iran. Oil revenues provide the Iranian regime with the resources to finance its nuclear program, develop advanced drones and missiles, and provide ongoing financial and material support for the terrorist activities of its regional proxies.
The vessel resorts to deceptive, high-risk practices.
On February 06, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker for the transportation of oil products during the period of the G7+ oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil/oil products is involved in the transportation of crude oil/oil products from russian ports in the Baltic Sea using deceptive, high-risk practices (disabling AIS, in particular, in the area of the port of Ust-Luga).
The tanker is affiliated through the sanctioned companies Sun Ship Management (UAE), Oil Tankers SCF MGMT FZCO (UAE), Fornax Ship Management FZCO (UAE) with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot, the largest state-owned shipping company in russia for servicing and supporting offshore hydrocarbon production, transportation of russian crude oil, oil products, and liquefied gas. The major charterers of PJSC Sovcomflot's vessels are russia's largest oil and gas companies and traders. PJSC Sovcomflot is involved in servicing major oil and gas projects in russia: Sakhalin-1, Sakhalin-2, Varandey, Prirazlomnoye, Novy Port, Yamal LNG and others.
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.
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.

The tanker is involved in the transportation of crude oil/oil products from russian ports in the Baltic Sea to third countries during the period of the G7+ oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil/oil products.
The tanker is affiliated through the sanctioned companies Sun Ship Management (UAE), Oil Tankers SCF MGMT FZCO (UAE), Fornax Ship Management FZCO (UAE) with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot, the largest state-owned shipping company in russia for servicing and supporting offshore hydrocarbon production, transportation of russian crude oil, oil products, and liquefied gas. The major charterers of PJSC Sovcomflot's vessels are russia's largest oil and gas companies and traders. PJSC Sovcomflot is involved in servicing major oil and gas projects in russia: Sakhalin-1, Sakhalin-2, Varandey, Prirazlomnoye, Novy Port, Yamal LNG and others.
Since October 2024, the tanker has been operated by Thunder Shipmanagement LLC-FZ (UAE). As of February 14, 2025, the fleet of Thunder Shipmanagement LLC-FZ consists of 21 oil tankers affiliated with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot. The company's fleet includes sanctioned oil tankers, in particular ІМО 9309576, ІМО 9322968, ІМО 9309588, ІМО 9292060, ІМО 9292058, ІМО 9292034, ІМО 9276028, ІМО 9329655, ІМО 9577094 and others.
After the sanctions were imposed, PJSC Sovcomflot transferred dozens of vessels to the ownership of companies it created, including in foreign jurisdictions, in order to circumvent them, and started the practice of constantly 'juggling' (transferring) vessels to related companies. Tankers 're-registered' by PJSC Sovcomflot to related companies continue to transport russian crude oil/oil products under Western sanctions.
On February 24, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since February 25, March 04, 2025 EU and Switzerland respectively have 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).
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 is affiliated with Vision Ship Management LLP, an Indian-based company whose vessels are involved in the transportation of millions of barrels of sanctioned Iranian crude oil for the benefit of the sanctioned China Concord Petroleum Company, which was sanctioned by USA in late 2019 for violating restrictions on the handling and transaction of Iranian oil. On December 03, 2024, USA imposed sanctions on Vision Ship Management LLP for its activities in the oil sector of the Iranian economy.
Previously, RIO NAPO had transported 35 thousand metric tons of Iranian oil to the UAE worth approximately $21.5 million.
On December 03, 2024, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel as a property in which Vision Ship Management LLP has an interest.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products under the G7+ oil embargo, the price-cap policy for russian crude oil/oil products, in particular from russian ports in the Pacific region, mainly to China, including with the AIS turned off. The vessel called at a russian port where the price of oil traded constantly above the price cap.
The international non-governmental organization Greenpeace refers to the tanker as part of the shadow fleet of tankers transporting russian crude oil around the world and threatening the environment.
The tanker is affiliated with Surrey Quays Company Limited, which was sanctioned by USA on January 10, 2025 for its activities in the energy sector of the russian economy.
On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the tanker, which is considered to be part of the shadow fleet, as a property in which Surrey Quays Company Limited has an interest.
Since February 25, March 04, 2025 EU and Switzerland have 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); promoting or supporting actions/policies aimed at the exploitation, development or expansion of the energy sector in russia, including energy infrastructure.
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 is involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products under the G7+ oil embargo and the price-cap policy for russian crude oil/oil products, including the disabling of AIS.
The international public organization Greenpeace refers to the tanker as part of the shadow fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world and threatening the environment.
The tanker is affiliated with Sino Ship Management Company Limited, which was sanctioned by USA on January 10, 2025 for its activities in the energy sector of the russian economy.
On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the tanker, which is considered to be part of the shadow fleet, as a property in which Sino Ship Management Company Limited has an interest.
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 12, 2025, he United Kingdom has 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 is involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products under the G7+ oil embargo and the price-cap policy for russian crude oil/oil products, including with the AIS turned off. The vessel called at a russian port where the price of crude oil was constantly above the upper limit of the price-cap.
The tanker is affiliated with Loengo Shipping and Trader Limited, which was sanctioned by USA on January 10, 2025 for its activities in the energy sector of the russian economy.
On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the tanker, which is considered to be a part of the shadow fleet, as a property in which Loengo Shipping and Trader Limited has an interest.
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.
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 is involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products under the G7+ oil embargo and price-cap policy for russian crude oil/oil products, including the use of deceptive practices.
The vessel is affiliated with Maritas Fleet PVT LTD (India), which was the former ISM manager of the tanker. Maritas Fleet PVT LTD was founded in December 2022 in Mumbai. This company is associated with the ISM management of tankers affiliated with the sanctioned company Hennesea Holdings Limited (UAE), which shortly before the price cap policy came into force acquired 18 oil tankers transporting russian sanctioned crude oil/oil products and was sanctioned by USA for violation of the price cap.
The vessel is operated by Avision Shipping Services Private Limited (IMO 6454662), which was sanctioned by USA on January 10, 2025.
On January 10, 2025, the USA imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 24, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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).
On April 11, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of vessel IMO 9409467.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In June 2025, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
According to GISIS IMO data, as of July 17, 2025, the vessel's flag is designated as Guinea False. At the same time, the vessel continues to sail under the flag of Guinea.
Since October 30, 2025, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on the tanker.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as part of the shadow fleet of tankers transporting russian crude oil around the world and threatening the environment.
The tanker, which is considered to be part of the shadow fleet, is involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products during the period of the G7+ oil embargo on russian oil and the price cap policy on russian crude oil/oil products, in particular, it called at a russian port where the oil price constantly exceeds the upper limit of the price cap.
The vessel is affiliated with Meghan Group Limited, which was sanctioned by USA on January 10, 2025 for its activities in the energy sector of the russian economy.
On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel as a property in which Meghan Group Limited has an interest.
After USA sanctions were imposed, the vessel changed its name and flag 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.
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.