Shadow Fleet

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.

The tanker is involved in the export of sanctioned russian crude oil/oil products from russian ports in the Baltic sea (Ust-Luga, Primorsk) mainly to India, the Pacific region (Kozmino) to China, and resorts to deceptive, highly exploitative practices with the disabling of AIS near Malaysia, russia.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.
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as a shadow fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world and threatening the environment.
The tanker is also involved in the transportation of Iranian oil and petroleum products.
On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 24, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 24, March 04, 2025 EU and Switzerland respectively imposed sanctions on the tanker for transporting crude oil/oil products originating in or exported from russia using irregular and high-risk shipping practices as specified in the International Maritime Organization General Assembly resolution A.1192 (33); 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 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 when the G7 and EU oil embargoes and the price cap policy on russian crude oil and petroleum products were in effect, the tanker was involved in the export of russian petroleum products from russian ports on the Baltic Sea to the UAE, and russian crude oil from ports in the Pacific region to China.
The tanker is also involved in the transport of Iranian crude oil/petroleum products.
The international non-governmental organization Greenpeace classifies the tanker as part of the "shadow fleet" of tankers transporting russian crude oil around the world and posing a threat to the environment.
On January 10, 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since May 21, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the tanker for transporting crude oil and petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, while engaging in irregular and high-risk shipping practices, as specified in International Maritime Organization General Assembly Resolution A.1192(33).
Since June 3, 2025, Switzerland has 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.
In November 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On December 13, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the vessel’s master.
In order to circumvent sanctions, the tanker has been manipulating its identifying information, including its name, IMO number, and flag state. Since April 2025, the vessel has not used its actual IMO number but twice changed its IMO numbers while operating under the name "Birt Young." From April through May 2025, the vessel used the IMO number belonging to the tanker Oceania (IMO 9233313), which was scrapped in August 2021, while simultaneously transmitting an MMSI number associated with the Guyana flag registry. The IMO’s GISIS database indicates that the vessel Birth Young was fraudulently sailing under the Guyana flag. In mid-May, the Birth Young abandoned the IMO number of the vessel Oceania and began using the IMO number that previously belonged to the Aframax River (IMO 9259173).

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 ports in the Baltic, Black seas, and the Pacific region, mainly to China. The tanker resorts to deceptive tactics at sea (changing identifiers or manipulating its location), conducting dark activities at sea with the AIS signal turned off near the russian port of Taman (russia), Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Vietnam.
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.
According to the data of United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), which monitors Iran-related tanker traffic using satellite data, the vessel was involved in the transportation of Iranian oil and has switched to transporting russian oil since April 2022. Since the beginning of russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, more than 100 vessels that previously helped Tehran export Iranian export oil are now helping russia transport russian oil/oil products.
The tanker is linked to an attempt to supply sanctioned Iranian oil to the EU (Croatia) in 2022, obtained through ship-to-ship transshipment near Malaysian waters.
On January 10, 2025, USA 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 12, 2025, the United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In November 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.