Shadow Fleet

Marine vessels involved in the transportation of sanctioned oil
Total number:
1468
Marine vessels
545
Masters
Updated: 23.09.2026
The shadow tanker fleet transports growing volumes of sanctioned oil around the world, generates billions of dollars in revenue for russia and Iran, threatens environmental safety in the oceans, serves as a spy platform, and is used for sabotage activities in the interests of the aggressor.
The sanctioned countries are looking for new markets for oil, building up their tanker fleet to circumvent restrictions, and shipping crude oil mainly to China and India.
The shadow tanker fleet with a total deadweight of more than 100 million tons (approximately 17% of the world`s oil tanker fleet) consists of more than a thousand mostly outdated, poorly maintained vessels without proper insurance, with ‘confusing’ ownership and management structures located in ‘friendly’ jurisdictions, under ‘convenient’ flags. Such vessels resort to deceptive tactics at sea to conceal the origin of their cargo, threaten ‘environmental chaos’ and billions of dollars in losses to coastal countries by passing through busy, narrow international transportation routes without pilotage. Since the beginning of russia`s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, shadow tankers have already been involved in more than 50 incidents from the Danish Straits to Malaysia.
 
 
 
 
Category
Sanctions
 
 
DWT: 90 603 тис.тоннTotal: 892
MELANIA
Vessel name
MELANIA
IMO
9264283
Flag (Current)
Sierra Leone Sierra Leone
Vessel Type
Chemical/Oil Products Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
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.
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ONEGA
Vessel name
ONEGA
IMO
9384459
Flag (Current)
russian federation russian federation
Vessel Type
Chemical/Oil Products Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
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.
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RAUKHTOPAZ
Vessel name
RAUKHTOPAZ
IMO
9368235
Flag (Current)
russian federation russian federation
Vessel Type
Crude Oil Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
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.
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SAURI
Vessel name
SAURI
IMO
9266475
Flag (Current)
Cameroon Cameroon
Vessel Type
Oil Products Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
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.
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YENISEI
Vessel name
YENISEI
IMO
9307815
Flag (Current)
russian federation russian federation
Vessel Type
Chemical/Oil Products Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
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.
The tanker has been flying the russian flag since June 2026.
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TEMIRO
Vessel name
TEMIRO
IMO
9209972
Flag (Current)
Equatorial Guinea Equatorial Guinea
Vessel Type
Oil Products Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
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.
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EDERRA
Vessel name
EDERRA
IMO
9258026
Flag (Current)
Equatorial Guinea Equatorial Guinea
Vessel Type
Oil Products Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
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.
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CHARMINAR
Vessel name
CHARMINAR
IMO
9318022
Flag (Current)
Comoros Comoros
Vessel Type
Chemical/Oil Products Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
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.
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INA
Vessel name
INA
IMO
9308443
Flag (Current)
unknown
Vessel Type
Crude Oil Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
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.
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CAVELA
Vessel name
CAVELA
IMO
9259733
Flag (Current)
Sierra Leone Sierra Leone
Vessel Type
Crude Oil Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
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.
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CELERIX
Vessel name
CELERIX
IMO
9222560
Flag (Current)
Cameroon Cameroon
Vessel Type
Crude Oil Tanker
Category
Cargo transportation from/to ТОТ of Ukraine
icon arrow-tree Calling ports of the TOT
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.
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MEZEN
Vessel name
MEZEN
IMO
9353125
Flag (Current)
russian federation russian federation
Vessel Type
Chemical/Oil Products Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
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.
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