Shadow Fleet

During the G7 and EU oil embargo on russian crude oil, the tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil from russian ports on the Baltic and Black Seas and the Pacific region to third countries, conducting illicit activities at sea near Indonesia, China, russia, and South Korea with a disabled AIS signal.
The tanker was also used to transport sanctions-banned Iranian oil. The tanker is affiliated with Gemini Marine Limited (under US sanctions), the fleet of which transports petroleum products on behalf of Sepehr Energy Jahan Nama Pars Company (Sepehr Energy), controlled by the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces. The Gemini Marine Limited fleet also transported petroleum products for the network of sanctioned financial official Houthi Saeed al-Jamal, whose network generated tens of millions of dollars in revenue from the illicit sale of oil to support the financing of Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
Since russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, more than 100 vessels that previously helped Iran export oil now help russia transport russian crude oil/petroleum products.
Many tankers involved in transporting Iranian oil to countries such as China are also involved in Venezuelan trade, including tanker IMO 9263643. On June 11, 2022, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi signed a 20-year cooperation agreement to expand ties in the oil and petrochemical industries, as well as in the military and economic spheres. Since then, bilateral ties have begun to develop. Most of the cargo is transported by ships belonging to the sanctioned National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) in both directions. A significant number of ships flying under foreign (not Iranian) flags are also involved in this trade.
The international non-governmental organization Greenpeace classifies the tanker as part of a shadow fleet of tankers that transport russian oil around the world and threaten the environment.
The russian shadow fleet continues to generate billions in revenue for the kremlin in violation of sanctions, masking its activities under the flags of third countries, using complex schemes to conceal the owners, and poses significant threats to environmental safety with considerable economic costs for coastal countries and/or the international community due to the obsolescence and inadequate insurance of shadow fleet tankers.
On October 2, 2024, the US imposed sanctions on the tanker as property in which Gemini Marine Limited has an interest.
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.
On July 21, 2025, the United Kingdom 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 involved in the export of russian oil from russian ports in the Baltic Sea and the Pacific Ocean region, mainly to China and India.
The tanker is affiliated with Prominent Shipmanagement Limited (Hong Kong), which is the operator of the shadow fleet involved in the transportation of sanctioned russian and Iranian oil and which was sanctioned by USA on January 10, 2025 in connection with the management of the tanker fleet, the shadow fleet involved in the transportation of sanctioned russian oil, including the Fjord Seal, which called at a russian port where the price of oil was constantly exceeding the upper ceiling of $60 per barrel, and the Samsun, which was involved in the transportation of Iranian oil.
The tanker is also affiliated with K&O SHIPMANAGEMENT FZE, the fleet manager of which, master Yevgeny Chubenko, is also the fleet manager at russia's Sovcomflot PJSC.
On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel.
After the sanctions were imposed, the vessel changed its name, flag country and management.
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.
On July 21, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In August 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the tanker's master.
In November 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the export of sanctioned russian oil/oil products from russian ports in the Baltic, Black Seas, and the Pacific region, mainly to China and India, using high-risk practices, including disabling AIS and conducting dark activities in the Baltic Sea.
The tanker called at a russian port, where the price of oil was constantly exceeding the price cap of $60 per barrel of russian oil.
On September 17, 2024, the russian Federal State Budgetary Institution "Main Directorate of the Northern Sea Route" issued a permit for the period until October 15, 2024 for transit navigation of a vessel without ice class along the Northern Sea Route from east to west.
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as part of the shadow fleet of tankers that transport russian oil around the world and threaten the environment.
The tanker is owned and operated by Celestial Star Corp (Seychelles), a sanctioned company, 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.
Since February 25, March 04, 2025 the 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).
On April 11, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of vessel IMO 9299769.
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.

During the period of the G7+ oil embargo on russian crude oil/oil products, the tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil and oil products, in particular from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas, including the use of deceptive high-risk practices.
The tanker, believed to be part of the shadow fleet, is affiliated with Prominent Shipmanagement Limited, which was sanctioned by USA on January 10, 2025 for its activities in the energy sector of the russian economy.
The tanker is also affiliated with K&O SHIPMANAGEMENT FZE, the fleet manager of which, master Yevgeny Chubenko, is also the fleet manager at russia's Sovcomflot PJSC.
On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel as a property in which Prominent Shipmanagement Limited has an interest.
On April 11, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the tanker.
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.
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.

During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and price-cap policy on russian oil, the tanker is involved in the export of russian oil from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas to third countries.
The vessel is affiliated with the sanctioned Turkish company Beks Gemi Isletmeciligi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, which was sanctioned by the United Kingdom in early 2024. After the sanctions were imposed, the vessels of this Turkish company changed managers and flags and continued to transport russian oil.
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, 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 October 30, 2025, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on the tanker.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.

During the period of the G7+ oil embargo and the price-cap policy on russian crude oil/oil products, the tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas to third countries.
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 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, 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.

During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and price-cap policy on russian oil, the tanker is involved in the export of russian oil from russian ports in the Baltic and Black seas to third countries.
The tanker is affiliated with Adel Ship Management SRL (Moldova), which manages tankers that help russia transport crude oil under Western sanctions. Adel Ship Management SRL is considered one of the largest carriers of russian crude oil, in particular, in the first half of 2024, the Moldova-based company shipped 2.6 million barrels of oil, which is approximately 2% of total russian exports.
RLRISE Moldova, a community of investigative journalists, programmers, and activists from the Republic of Moldova and Romania, attributes the tanker to the shadow fleet involved in russian oil exports.
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.

During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price-cap policy on russian oil, the tanker is involved in the export of russian oil from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas to third countries.
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 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).
On February 21, 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 involved in the transportation of russian, Iranian, and Venezuelan crude oil and petroleum products. In particular, the vessel exported russian crude oil from the russian port of Ust-Luga in the Baltic Sea in September 2024 and delivered it to a transshipment area to the south of Laconikos Bay, west of the island of Kythira.
Since russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, more than 100 vessels that previously helped Iran export oil are now helping russia transport russian crude oil and petroleum products.
Many tankers involved in transporting Iranian oil to countries such as China are also involved in Venezuelan trade, including tanker IMO 9227443. On June 11, 2022, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi signed a 20-year cooperation agreement to expand ties in the oil and petrochemical industries, as well as in the military and economic spheres. Since then, bilateral ties have begun to develop. Most cargo is transported by ships belonging to the sanctioned National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) in both directions. A significant number of ships flying under foreign (non-Iranian) flags are also involved in this trade.
According to an internal analysis prepared by the Scottish Coast Guard's satellite services, the tanker was involved in a spill of russian crude oil approximately 100 km off the Scottish coastline. At the time, the vessel was carrying 1 million barrels of sanctioned oil from russia on its way to a refinery in India.
The vessel calls at ports in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including the port of Feodosia in November 2025.
On April 11, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel IMO 9227443.
On May 9, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker.
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 russia, 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 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 oil, the tanker is involved in exporting russian oil from russian ports in the Baltic Sea and the Pacific region to China and India, and resorts to the practice of turning off the AIS signal and conducting so-called 'dark activities' at sea. The vessel is certified by the Indian regulator Indian Register of Shipping (IACS).
The vessel, through its related companies, including Stream Ship Management FZCO, Sun Ship Management, Oil Tankers SCF MGMT FZCO, SCF Management Services Cyprus, is affiliated with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot, tthe largest state-owned shipping company in russia that services and supports offshore hydrocarbon production, transportation of russian crude oil, oil products, and liquefied natural 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. After the sanctions were imposed, PJSC Sovcomflot transferred dozens of vessels to the ownership of companies it had set up, including in foreign jurisdictions, and began the practice of constantly 'juggling' (transferring) vessels to related companies. According to expert estimates, the tankers 're-registered' by PJSC Sovcomflot to related companies are part of the so-called 'shadow tanker fleet' of the russian federation to continue selling russian crude oil, oil products, and liquefied natural gas under Western sanctions.
The shadow tanker fleet continues to provide multibillion-dollar revenues for the kremlin bypassing sanctions, disguising its activities under the flags of third countries, using complex schemes to conceal owners, and poses significant environmental threats with significant economic costs to coastal countries and/or the international community due to the outdated and inadequate insurance of shadow fleet tankers.
On January 10, 2025, USA 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).
On July 21, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In August 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the tanker's master.
In November 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

Since 2024, the tanker has been involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products to third countries from russian ports in the Baltic Sea and the Pacific region.
In December 2022, the United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) included the tanker in a public list of vessels suspected of involvement in the illegal transportation of Iranian oil.
russia has created its own shadow fleet of tankers, mostly made up of old tankers, many of which have experience in operating under sanctions imposed on regimes such as Iran. Since the beginning of russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, more than 100 vessels that previously helped Tehran export Iranian oil are now helping russia transport russian crude oil/petroleum products. In May 2022, UANI predicted that russia would use a "ghost armada" to ensure the flow of excess profits from oil exports, in particular to its Chinese partner.
Since December 2024, the owner and commercial manager of the tanker is Nissho Lines Inc, registered in the Marshall Islands (Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake, Majuro MH 96960, Marshall Islands), which is widely used for registration of companies that own/manage shadow fleet tankers.
The shadow tanker fleet continues to provide multibillion-dollar revenues for the Kremlin bypassing sanctions, disguising its activities under the flags of third countries, using complex schemes to conceal owners, and poses significant environmental threats with significant economic costs to coastal countries and/or the international community due to the outdated and inadequate insurance of shadow fleet tankers.
On May 08, 2025, USA imposes sanctions on the tanker for carrying out numerous shipments of Iranian oil products via STS to the Persian Gulf, as well as for being owned by Nissho Lines Incorporated, a sanctioned company involved in the oil sector of the Iranian economy.
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.

During the G7 and EU oil embargo and price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products, the tanker has been involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports in the Baltic, Black Seas, and Pacific region to third countries.
In September 2022 and January 2023, United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) included the tanker in a public list of vessels suspected of being involved in the transportation of sanctioned Iranian oil.
The vessel IMO 9337389 is affiliated with the sanctioned company Oceanlink Maritime DMCC, which was sanctioned by the United States on April 4, 2024, for facilitating the transport of Iranian goods on behalf of the Armed Forces General Staff (AFGS) and the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL).
Oceanlink Maritime DMCC is part of a vast shipping empire controlled by sanctioned Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani. Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani is the son of Ali Shamkhani, chief political advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader and former Iranian defense minister. Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani uses corruption through his father's political influence at the highest levels of the Iranian regime to build and operate a vast fleet of tankers and container ships. This network transports oil and petroleum products from Iran and russia, as well as other cargo, to buyers around the world, generating tens of billions of dollars in profits. Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani's network consists of a huge fleet of ships, ship management companies, and front companies that launder billions in profits from global sales of Iranian and russian crude oil and petroleum products, most often to buyers in the PRC. The network takes significant measures to conceal its operations and obscure its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and russia.
On April 4, 2024, the US imposed sanctions on the tanker. On May 21, 2025, the EU imposed sanctions on the vessel for transporting crude oil/petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular shipping practices with a high risk level, as specified in Resolution A.1192(33) of the International Maritime Organization.
Since June 3, 2025, Switzerland has 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.