Shadow Fleet

The tanker, during the period of the G7+ oil embargo and the price cap on russian oil, is involved in the transportation of russian oil from russian ports in the Black and Baltic Seas to third countries, and resorts to manipulating AIS, conducting dark activities in the Black Sea, in particular in the Kerch Strait, when AIS shows the location of the vessel at the Moscow airport.
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as part of a shadowy fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world and threatening the environment.
On 24 February 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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.

During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil and petroleum products, the tanker was involved in the export of russian crude oil and petroleum products from russian ports, including through deceptive and high-risk shipping practices such as disabling AIS in the Kerch Bay area and near India.
The tanker is affiliated with Gatik Ship Management (India), one of the leading operators of the russian shadow fleet, which in 2022–2023 played a major role in transporting russian crude oil and petroleum products under Western sanctions, as well as with the related company Girik Ship Management.
In 2023, Girik Ship Management, together with Gaurik Ship Management, Galena Ship Management, Plutos Ship Management, Geras Ship Management, Caishan Ship Management, Orion Ship Management, Nautilus Shipping, Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagement, and Zidan Ship Management, was involved in a vessel "juggling" scheme orchestrated by Gatik Ship Management to evade sanctions.
Gatik Ship Management and Girik Ship Management were the vessel’s previous managers. Tankers operated or managed by Gatik Ship Management continue to make port calls at russian ports.
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 violation of the G7 and EU oil embargo on russian oil, export of russian oil from russian ports in the Black Sea to the Laconikos Gulf (Greece) and third countries, and conducting dark activities at sea with the AIS system disabled.
The vessel, through related companies, including Fornax Ship Management, the sanctioned Sun Ship Management, Oil Tankers SCF MGMT FZCO affiliated with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot, the largest state-owned shipping company in russia, a key company for servicing and supporting offshore hydrocarbon production, transportation of russian oil, petroleum products, liquefied natural gas amidst the application of sanctions restrictions to the russian federation after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The services provided by Sovcomflot are a significant source of income for russia, as more than 70% of russia's revenues come from the sale of energy, which allows it to finance its war against Ukraine. The main charterers of Sovcomflot vessels are the largest oil and gas companies and traders in russia. Sovcomflot is involved in servicing major oil and gas projects in russia: 'Sakhalin-1', 'Sakhalin-2', 'Varandey', 'Prirazlomnoye', 'Novy Port', 'Yamal LNG' and others. Prior to russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the company's fleet consisted of about 145 vessels. After the sanctions were imposed, Sovcomflot transferred dozens of vessels to the ownership of companies it had set up, including in foreign jurisdictions, in order to circumvent them, and began the practice of constantly 'juggling' (transferring) vessels to related companies. According to expert estimates, the tankers 'transferred' by Sovcomflot to related companies are part of the so-called 'shadow tanker fleet' of the russian federation to continue selling russian oil, oil products, and liquefied gas under western sanctions.
On December 16, 2024, the EU imposed sanctions on the vessel (effective December 17, 2024).
On December 23, 2024, Switzerland imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On July 21, 2025, the United Kingdom 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, the price-cap policy on russian oil is involved in the export of russian oil from russian ports in the Baltic, Black seas, the Pacific region mainly to China, India, violation of the oil embargo in September 2024, in particular, the ship transported russian oil from the russian port of Primorsk in the Baltic Sea to the Laconikos Gulf, west of the island of Kithira.
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 December 17, 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on a vessel in connection with the transportation of oil or oil products originating in russia or from russia to a third country.
On February 21, 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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, 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.

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 from russian ports on the Baltic Sea, engaged in dark activities, particularly in the area of the russian port of Ust-Luga. In September 2025, the tanker transported 99,240 tons of russian oil from the Sheshkharis terminal in the port of Novorossiysk to the port of Tutunciftlik (Turkey). The shipper was the russian company PJSC Lukoil, which is subject to sanctions, and the charterer was Litasco.
In December 2025, the tanker transported over 700,000 barrels of russian Urals crude oil from the port of Primorsk for export to India in the interests of REDWOOD GLOBAL SUPPLY FZ-LLC (UAE), which was sanctioned by the United Kingdom on December 18, 2025, for its activities in the energy sector of the russian economy.
The tanker is linked to the Indian company Girik Ship Management, 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 in 2022-2023 under western sanctions. In 2022-2023, Girik Ship Management, together with Gaurik Ship Management, Caishan Ship Management, Plutos Ship Management, Geras Ship Management, Orion Ship Management, Galena Ship Management, Nautilus Shipping, Ark Seakonnect Ship Management, and Zidan Ship Management, was involved in a scheme to "juggle" vessels managed by Gatik Ship Management in order to avoid sanctions.
On December 13, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the tanker.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products to third countries during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products.
The vessel, through affiliated companies, including Fornax Ship Management (UAE, under US and Ukrainian sanctions), Oil Tankers SCF MGMT FZCO (UAE, under US, UK, and Ukrainian sanctions), Sun Ship Management, affiliated with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot — russia's largest state-owned shipping company providing services and support for offshore hydrocarbon production and the 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 is involved in servicing major oil and gas projects in russia: Sakhalin-1, Sakhalin-2, Varandey, Prirazlomnoye, Novy Port, Yamal LNG, and others.
Since December 17 and 23, 2024, the EU and Switzerland have imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On January 10, 2025, the US imposed sanctions on the tanker.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On July 21, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In August 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the tanker's master.
The tanker is likely involved in facilitating the export of Venezuelan oil. According to data from January 2026, the ship was in the Caribbean Sea. On January 6, 2026, the tanker left the Jose Terminal in Venezuela. As of January 11–12, 2026, the ship was spotted south of the Dominican Republic. On December 22, 2025, the tanker changed its flag from Gambia to the russian federation. It happened in the background of a mass re-registration of ships of the "shadow fleet" in the russian register to get protection from interceptions of US Navy ships entering/leaving ports of Venezuela.
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 mainly from russian ports in the Pacific region, in particular, to China.
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as a shadow fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world and threatening the environment.
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); promoting or supporting actions/policies aimed at the exploitation, development or expansion of the energy sector in russia, including energy infrastructure (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.

During the period of the G7+ oil embargo, the tanker is involved in the export of russian oil/oil products from russian ports in the Baltic, Black Seas, and the Pacific region, mainly to China, India, and Turkey.
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 December 17, 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on a vessel in connection with the transportation of oil or oil products originating in russia or from russia to a third country.
On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2025, Canada 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); promoting or supporting actions/policies aimed at the exploitation, development or expansion of the energy sector in russia, including energy infrastructure (EU sanctions will enter into force on February 25, 2025).
In June 2025, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On June 19, 2025, New Zealand 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.

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, in particular, from russian ports in the Baltic, Black Seas, and the Pacific region, and in deceptive, high-risk practices (disabling AIS, in particular, in the area of the port of Tuapse in the Black Sea, and russian ports in the Baltic 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.
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 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 Sea, and resorts to deceptive, highly irregular practices with the disabling of AIS.
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.
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).
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 in the Baltic and Black Seas in 2023-2024, and from russian ports in the Pacific region from 2025.
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).
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.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of 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, has been involved since August 2023 in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas, including the use of deceptive, high-risk practices (disabling AIS, conducting dark activities, in particular, near the russian port of Ust-Luga, conducting STS transmissions with russian affiliation, in particular, with the sanctioned tanker IMO 9650016 near the russian port of Primorsk, as well as with the sanctioned tanker of the russian shadow fleet IMO 9332781 near Egypt).
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as part of a shadow fleet of tankers that transport russian oil around the world and threaten 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 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.