Shadow Fleet

During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price cap on russian oil, the tanker is involved in the export of russian oil from russian ports, in particular in the Baltic and Black Seas, mainly to India.
On September 30, 2024, the Houthis, mistaking the ship for a British vessel, attacked a tanker in the Red Sea with a UAV, which led to a fire on the ship. The outdated tanker, which was sailing from the Turkish port of Yalova to the russian port of Novorossiysk in the Black Sea, was involved in the blocking of the Bosphorus Strait due to engine failure near Cape Yenikey in late December 2024.
The international public organization Greenpeace refers to the tanker as a shadowy fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world and threatening the environment.
The tanker is affiliated with the Indian company Margao Marine Solutions OPC, with which the sanctioned shadow tanker IMO 9402471 (formerly Feng Shou, Andromeda Star) is affiliated.
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.
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 russian crude oil / petroleum products from russian ports in the Baltic Sea to third countries, deceptive shipping practices, in particular in conducting dark activities in the Baltic Sea near the russian port of Ust-Luga, involved in sabotage activities in the Baltic Sea, and used by russia as a spy platform to monitor NATO naval and air activities.
The tanker was involved in damaging the Estlink 2 submarine cable between Estonia and Finland on December 25, 2024.
On December 26, 2024, the tanker was detained by the Finnish authorities.
The National Bureau of Investigation of Finland conducts criminal proceedings on suspicion of committing a crime under aggravating circumstances.
According to the National Bureau of Investigation of Finland, on December 25, 2024, the tanker EAGLE S dropped anchor in the Baltic Sea and dragged it for 62 miles, causing a break in the Estlink 2 underwater cable.
After the vessel was detained, it was discovered that the tanker's anchor was missing. On January 7, 2025, the Swedish vessel HMS Belos recovered the damaged anchor of the tanker EAGLE S.
A preliminary investigation of the incident gave reason to believe that the cause was not an accident but sabotage.
The master and another crew member were banned from leaving the country. The master of the vessel is Davit Vadacthkoria (citizen of Georgia), and the crew includes citizens of India and Georgia.
On September 5, 2025, in the Helsinki District Court, the captain of the ship stated that safety checks carried out on board did not reveal anything "critical" before the ship departed from the russian port of Ust-Luga on December 25, 2024.
The defense stated that on the day the cable was cut, the ship had to stop and reduce speed at sea due to a problem with the main engine amid bad weather. The defendants in the case stated that the Finnish authorities contacted the crew of the tanker EAGLE S on the day of the incident to inquire about the ship's anchors, and the crew reported that the anchors were secure.
The interests of the owner and crew of the shadow fleet tanker in the case of damage to submarine cables in the Gulf of Finland were represented by Herman Ljungberg, a Finnish lawyer specializing in maritime and transport law. Herman Ljungberg later defended the interests of the shipowner in the case of the vessel Fitburg (IMO 9250397), which is suspected of damaging Elisa's submarine telecommunications cable connecting Finland and Estonia with its anchor in the Gulf of Finland.
On October 3, 2025, the Helsinki District Court ruled that Finland did not have jurisdiction over the Estlink 2 undersea cable break and that the case should be heard either by the flag state of the tanker EAGLE S, the Cook Islands, or by the states of which the defendants in the case are citizens.
During the criminal investigation, the Cook Islands authorities informed the National Bureau of Investigation of Finland (NBI) that the company behind the vessel is managed by a citizen of Azerbaijan (42 years old, fluent in russian, residing in the UAE).
A representative of the National Bureau of Investigation of Finland stated that at the time of its detention, the tanker EAGLE S posed an immediate threat to other critical underwater infrastructure, including the Estlink 1 power cable and the BalticConnector gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia.
Prosecutors said the owners of the Estlink 2 cable incurred a total of at least €60 million ($69.7 million) in repair costs.
According to the British publication Lloyd's List, based on a series of confidential documents about the ship obtained in June 2024, the tanker EAGLE S and the related sanctioned tanker SWIFTSEA RIDER (IMO 9318539) "were equipped with eavesdropping and reception devices for monitoring NATO naval and air vessels". The spy equipment was installed on board the EAGLE S in large portable suitcases (including laptops with russian and Turkish keyboards for making calls to Turkey and russia) and was used to monitor radio frequencies, record NATO communications, and transmit the collected data to the russian authorities. Similar systems were present on the tanker SWIFTSEA RIDER. According to a source at Lloyd's List, the equipment was stored on the bridge or on the "monkey island" (the highest point on the ship) and was operated by russian, Turkish, and Indian officers. Upon arrival in russia, the devices were unloaded for analysis. Also, according to Lloyd's List, an unauthorized person who was not a member of the ship's crew was identified on board the EAGLE S.
The EAGLE S and SWIFTSEA RIDER tankers are linked to a single shadow network created in the interests of the sanctioned russian company PJSC Lukoil, when, under sanctions on russian oil, more than 20 tankers were purchased between 2022 and 2023 and transferred under bareboat charter to Eiger Shipping by the shipping division of russian oil trader Litasco, affiliated with PJSC Lukoil. According to a Financial Times investigation, the purchased tankers were transferred to the Cook Islands flag and managed by sanctioned Dubai companies Radiating World Shipping (16 vessels) and Star Voyages Shipping Services (6 vessels).
The tanker EAGLE S is one of dozens of shadow tankers involved in russian crude oil/petroleum product trading, linked to the indian company Peninsular Maritime India PVT, affiliated with two sanctioned companies, Radiating World Shipping Services (UAE) and Star Voyages Shipping Services (UAE). Radiating World Shipping Services (UAE) and Star Voyages Shipping Services (UAE) are considered leading operators of the shadow fleet, which played a key role in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products in 2022-2023 under sanctions restrictions. After the UK imposed sanctions on Radiating World Shipping Services (UAE) and Star Voyages Shipping Services (UAE) in December 2023, the companies ceased operations and transferred their fleet to affiliated companies, including Peninsular Maritime India.
Although the shipowner and commercial manager of the tanker EAGLE S is Caravella LLC-FZ, based in the UAE, and the ISM manager of the vessel is the Indian company Peninsular Maritime India PVT, according to the website of the Indian company Uniocean Marine Services, the vessel EAGLE S belonged to its fleet. However, after Finland arrested the tanker for damaging the Estlink 2 submarine cable, information about the EAGLE S as part of the Uniocean Marine Services fleet was removed from the company's website. At the same time, the website states that the company's fleet includes a number of sanctioned tankers affiliated with sanctioned operators of the shadow fleet Radiating World Shipping Services (UAE) and Star Voyages Shipping Services (UAE).
Since May 21 and June 03, 2025, the EU and Switzerland have 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).
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On July 21, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In November 2025, the dismantling of the tanker began in the Turkish port of Aliaga.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the export of russian oil to third countries, in systematic violations of the G7+ oil embargo on russian oil in 2023-2024, in particular in the export of russian oil from russian ports in the Black Sea to the Laconikos Gulf, to the west of the island of Kithira. The vessel calls at the ports of the Crimean TOT of Ukraine.
In January and March 2023, the tanker was involved in the export of several batches of oil products from the russian port of Tuapse, the shipper of the cargo was the sanctioned PJSC Oil Company Rosneft, the recipients were the sanctioned companies Petrokim Trading Middle East and Asia DMCC (Voliton DMCC, UAE), Guron Trading Limited (Hong Kong). There is a production complex in Tuapse belonging to the sanctioned Rosneft - the Tuapse Refinery with a marine terminal.
In 2025, the vessel continues to call at russian ports with oil terminals, including Nakhodka and Slavyanka.
The vessel is affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management and the Turkish company Unic Tanker Gemi Isletmeciligi, which is affiliated with Gatik. In 2022, the Indian company Gatik Ship Management became the largest carrier of russian oil and was used to operate the russian 'shadow' fleet under sanctions.
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 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 July 2026.

During the period of the oil embargo and the G7+ countries’ price cap policy on russian crude oil and petroleum products, the tanker is involved in the export of heavy russian petroleum products from the ports of Kavkaz, Novorossiysk, and St. Petersburg to third countries (Egypt, Turkey, Singapore, and the UAE).
On December 17, 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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.
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.

The tanker is involved in the export of russian oil from russian ports in the Baltic Sea, mainly to India.
The new generation Arfamax LNG tanker, built in 2022, is part of the fleet of the sanctioned russian state-owned shipping company Sovcomflot (SCF Group). The vessel has a carrying capacity of 112,650 tons and was built at the sanctioned russian shipbuilding complex Zvezda in Primorsky Krai with funds from the sanctioned russian state development corporation VEB.rf. The ice-class 1A/1B tanker is 250 m long and 44 m wide and is capable of year-round transportation of oil from areas with difficult ice conditions, including ports in the russian Far East and Baltic basin. The vessel is believed to be chartered by Rosneft under a long-term agreement.
On December 16, 2024, the EU imposed sanctions on the tanker (effective from December 17, 2024) due to the transportation of crude oil or petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular high-risk shipping practices as set out in the International Maritime Organization General Assembly Resolution A.1192(33).
On December 23, 2024, Switzerland imposed sanctions on the vessel in connection with the transportation of crude oil or petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular and risky shipping practices, as set out in the resolution of the General Assembly of the International Maritime Organization A.1192(33).
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.
In August 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the tanker's master.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

During the period of the G7+ oil embargo and the russian oil price ceiling, the tanker is involved in the export of russian oil from russian facilities, in particular, in the Baltic Sea to third countries.
The vessel, through its related companies, including Fornax Ship Management, the sanctioned companies Oil Tankers SCF MGMT FZCO, Sun Ship Management, SCF Management Services Cyprus, is 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.
In August 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the tanker's master.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker is engaged in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports in the Black Sea, Baltic Sea, and Pacific region to third countries.
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 Gatik-related company Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment LLC, which in 2023, together with Caishan Ship Management, Galena Ship Management, Gaurik Ship Management LLP, Geras Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Orion Ship Management LLP, Nautilus Shipping (India), Plutos Ship Management, Zidan Ship Management, was involved in a scheme to 'juggle' vessels managed by Gatik Ship Management to avoid sanctions.
Gatik Ship Management and Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment LLC were the previous managers of the tanker.
Tankers operated/managed by India's Gatik Ship Management continue to be used by related companies and call at russian ports.
Since December 17, 2024, the EU has imposed sanctions on the tanker due to the transportation of crude oil or petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular high-risk shipping practices as set out in the International Maritime Organization General Assembly Resolution A.1192(33).
On December 23, 2024, Switzerland imposed sanctions on the vessel in connection with the transportation of crude oil or petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular and risky shipping practices, as set out in the resolution of the General Assembly of the International Maritime Organization A.1192(33).
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.
In August 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the tanker's master.
Since September 12, 2025, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

During the period of the G7+ oil embargo and the price cap on russian oil, the tanker is involved in the export of russian oil from russian ports, in particular, in the Baltic and Black Seas, to third countries. The vessel is certified by the Indian Register of Shipping (IACS).
The vessel through related companies, in particular Fornax Ship Management, sanctioned companies Oil Tankers SCF MGMT FZCO, Sun Ship Management, is 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.
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 is involved in the export of russian oil from russian ports in the Black and Baltic Seas, mainly to India. The vessel is owned by russia's sanctioned Rosneft.
On December 16, 2024, the EU imposed sanctions on the vessel (effective December 17, 2024) in relation to contributing to, supporting actions or policies aimed at the exploitation, development or expansion of the energy sector in russia, including energy infrastructure.
On December 23, 2024, Switzerland imposed sanctions on the vessel in connection with promoting, supporting actions or policies aimed at the exploitation, development or expansion of the energy sector in russia, including energy infrastructure.
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.
In August 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the tanker's master.
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 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.
Specifically, in March 2026, the tanker exported more than 661,000 barrels of russian petroleum products from the port of Taman to Saudi Arabia.
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.

During the period of the oil embargo and the G7+ countries’ price cap policy on russian crude oil and petroleum products, the tanker is involved in the export of russian petroleum products from the ports of Primorsk and Vysotsk to Venezuela, Turkey, and Brazil.
The vessel, through affiliated companies, in particular Fornax Ship Management, Sun Ship Management, and Oil Tankers SCF MGMT FZCO, is affiliated with 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 gas. The main charterers of PJSC Sovcomflot’s vessels are russia’s largest oil and gas companies and traders. Sovcomflot PJSC participates in the servicing of major oil and gas projects in russia: "Sakhalin-1", "Sakhalin-2", "Varanдей", "Prirazlomnoye", "Novy Port", "Yamal LNG" and others.
Since December 17, 2024, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 23, 2024, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since January 10, 2025, the U.S. 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.
On August 3, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the tanker’s master.
As of December 13, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Additionally, during the fuel crisis, the tanker is involved in a scheme to supply petroleum products to the russian federation from the Vadinar Refinery owned by Nayara Energy, a 49.13% stake in which is controlled by the russian sanctioned company PJSC Oil Company "Rosneft".
In early August 2026, the tanker IMO 9577094, under the command of master Mykola Borysovych Posmitny (russian citizen, under Ukrainian sanctions), delivered more than 57,000 metric tons of gasoline from the Vadinar Refinery of Nayara Energy to Vitino. The tanker received this strategic cargo in the Damietta area near Egypt via a ship-to-ship transfer from the shadow tanker IMO 9314167 (sanctioned by the United Kingdom, Canada, the EU, Switzerland, Ukraine and Australia). Following the uncovering of gray-market fuel import schemes from India, the tanker IMO 9314167 not only changed its name to CYCLONE and its flag state to the russian federation but also continues to deliver gasoline from Nayara Energy’s Vadinar Refinery to a transshipment area near Egypt.
According to available information, in early September 2026, a second ship-to-ship transfer of cargo from the Vadinar refinery will take place in the area near Egypt between the tankers CYCLONE (formerly AGNI, IMO 9314167) and GARNET (IMO 9577094).