Shadow Fleet

Marine vessels involved in the transportation of sanctioned oil
Total number:
1404
Marine vessels
534
Masters
Updated: 07.05.2026
The shadow tanker fleet transports growing volumes of sanctioned oil around the world, generates billions of dollars in revenue for russia and Iran, threatens environmental safety in the oceans, serves as a spy platform, and is used for sabotage activities in the interests of the aggressor.
The sanctioned countries are looking for new markets for oil, building up their tanker fleet to circumvent restrictions, and shipping crude oil mainly to China and India.
The shadow tanker fleet with a total deadweight of more than 100 million tons (approximately 17% of the world`s oil tanker fleet) consists of more than a thousand mostly outdated, poorly maintained vessels without proper insurance, with ‘confusing’ ownership and management structures located in ‘friendly’ jurisdictions, under ‘convenient’ flags. Such vessels resort to deceptive tactics at sea to conceal the origin of their cargo, threaten ‘environmental chaos’ and billions of dollars in losses to coastal countries by passing through busy, narrow international transportation routes without pilotage. Since the beginning of russia`s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, shadow tankers have already been involved in more than 50 incidents from the Danish Straits to Malaysia.
 
 
 
 
Category
Sanctions
 
 
DWT: 88 516 тис.тоннTotal: 854
RESPECT
Vessel name
RESPECT
IMO
9422445
Flag (Current)
Oman Oman
Vessel Type
Crude Oil Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
During the period of 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 in the Black Sea, Arctic, and Pacific regions, mainly to China and third countries, including the use of deceptive practices (disabling AIS, conducting dark activities).
The vessel, through Stream Ship Management FZCO, Oil Tankers SCF MGMT FZCO, Sun Ship Management, SCF Management Services Cyprus Ltd, is affiliated with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot, the largest state-owned shipping company in russia that services and supports offshore hydrocarbon production, 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. 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.
The tanker is managed by Nova Shipmanagement LLC-FZ (UAE), which as of July 12, 2025, manages six other sanctioned oil tankers (IMO 9301407, IMO 9301419, IMO 9301421, IMO 9354301, IMO 9901025, IMO 9901037) affiliated with PJSC Sovcomflot.
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); 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 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); 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 January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
After the imposition of sanctions, the vessel continues to export russian crude oil/petroleum products, loading, in particular, in the area of russian Arctic ports (Murmansk, Kola Bay) using deceptive practices (disabling AIS, conducting dark activities).
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.
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HERA
Vessel name
HERA
IMO
9326720
Flag (Current)
Vietnam Vietnam
Vessel Type
Crude Oil Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price-cap policy on russian oil, the tanker has been involved in the export of russian oil mainly to India, making frequent calls to russian ports in the Black Sea.
The vessel was involved in the transportation of Iranian oil and has switched to transporting russian oil since June 2022. Since the beginning of russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, more than 100 vessels that previously helped Iran export crude oil assist russia to 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 9326720. 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.
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.
On May 9, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on a tanker as part of restrictions on the russian shadow fleet.
Since May 21 and June 3, 2025, the EU and Switzerland respectively have imposed sanctions on the tanker 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.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.
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INTEGRATOR
Vessel name
INTEGRATOR
IMO
9436941
Flag (Current)
russian federation russian federation
Vessel Type
Crude Oil Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
During the period of the G7+ oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products, the tanker was involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports in the Black and Baltic seas to third countries. In particular, in January 2024, the vessel transported russian crude oil/petroleum products from the port of Taman (russia) to the Lakonikos Gulf (Greece).
The tanker is affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management, one of the leading operators of the so-called "shadow" fleet involved in the transportation of Russian crude oil/oil products under Western sanctions, and the Gatik-related company Gaurik Ship Management, which in 2023, together with Caishan Ship Management, Galena Ship Management, Plutos Ship Management, Geras Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Orion Ship Management, Nautilus Shipping, Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment, Zidan Ship Management, was involved in a scheme of "juggling" vessels managed by Gatik Ship Management to avoid sanctions.
Gatik Ship Management and Gaurik Ship Management were the previous managers of the tanker.
On November 25, 2024, United Kingdom imposed sanctions on a tanker in connection with the transportation of russian oil/oil products from the russian federation to a third country as part of the restrictions on the russian shadow fleet.
On December 16, 2024, 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.
On February 21, 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
As of the beginning of July 2025, the tanker is involved in commodities transportation near the ports of Venezuela.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.
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VESNA
Vessel name
VESNA
IMO
9233349
Flag (Current)
unknown
Vessel Type
Crude Oil Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
The tanker is considered to be a part of the so-called shadow fleet used to transport crude oil from russia, Venezuela, and Iran.
Since September 2022, the tanker has been involved in the export of russian crude oil and petroleum products mainly to China from the russian ports of Kozmino in the Pacific region and Primorsk in the Baltic Sea.
The international non-governmental organization Greenpeace classifies the tanker as part of the shadow fleet of tankers that transport russian oil around the world and threaten the environment.
The vessel is affiliated with Shanghai Legendary Ship MGMT (China), the fleet of which is involved in the export of sanctioned Iranian oil.
On December 3, 2024, the US imposed sanctions on the tanker.
Since May 21 and June 3, 2025, the EU and Switzerland, respectively, have imposed sanctions on the tanker 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.
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.
In early January 2026, a tanker ІМО 9233349 using the name Priya was spotted in the Caribbean Sea attempting to break through the US-imposed naval blockade of Venezuela. As of January 5, 2026, the tanker was located approximately 40 km east of Grenada. The ship was moving quickly, trying to avoid interception by US forces, and frequently turned off its AIS transponders to conceal its route.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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LINDOR
Vessel name
LINDOR
IMO
9311531
Flag (Current)
Cameroon Cameroon
Vessel Type
Crude Oil Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price-cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products, the tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports to third countries, resorted to the practice of turning off the AIS signal, and conducting so-called "dark activities" at sea.
From April 2024 to June 2025, the owner, manager and commercial manager of the tanker was Qatif Maritime Inc (Seychelles), and the ISM manager was the Indian company Beacon Ship Management.
The tanker IMO 9311531 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/petroleum products under Western sanctions, and the Gatik-related company Galena Ship Management, which in 2023, together with Caishan Ship Management, Plutos Ship Management, Gaurik Ship Management, Geras Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Orion Ship Management, Nautilus Shipping, Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment, Zidan Ship Management, was involved in a scheme to "juggle" vessels managed by Gatik Ship Management to avoid sanctions.
Gatik Ship Management and Galena Ship Management were the previous managers of the tanker IMO 9311531.
Tankers operated/managed by India's Gatik Ship Management continue to be used by related companies and call at russian ports.
On May 09, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker as part of the restrictions on the shadow fleet of the russian federation, including for engaging in activities aimed at destabilizing Ukraine, undermining/threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine or benefiting from or supporting the government of russia, and participating in the transportation of crude oil/petroleum products of russian origin, in particular, from russia to a third country.
On May 20, 2025, the EU imposed sanctions, which will enter into force on May 21, 2025, on the tanker for the transportation of crude oil/petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular high-risk shipping practices as specified in the International Maritime Organization General Assembly Resolution A.1192(33).
On June 03, 2025, the sanctions imposed by Switzerland on the vessel came into force.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
After the sanctions were imposed, there were changes in the management and name of the vessel. The vessel is sailing under the flag of Malawi, while the Government of Malawi has stated that the newly created ship registry, which included tankers under sanctions, is a fraudulent operation.
On June 25, 2025, the tanker left the russian port of Nakhodka loaded and on July 03, 2025, made a call to the port of Jinzhou (China).
Since September 18, 2025, Australia has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.
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OLAF 1
Vessel name
OLAF 1
IMO
9224465
Flag (Current)
unknown
Vessel Type
Crude Oil Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price-cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products, the tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports in the Baltic, Black Seas, and Pacific regions, as well as through STS transfers in the Kerch Strait with a sanctioned tanker affiliated with the sanctioned russian company International Company Sunor LLC.
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 vessel, through Sun Ship Management, SCF Management Services Cyprus Ltd, is affiliated with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot, the largest state-owned shipping company in russia for servicing and supporting offshore hydrocarbon production, transportation of russia's crude oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas. The main charterers of Sovcomflot's vessels are russia's largest oil and gas companies and traders. 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 created, including in foreign jurisdictions, using the practice of constant "juggling" (transferring) of vessels to related companies.
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.
On June 01, 2025, in the Kerch Strait area, tanker ІМО 9224465 carried out an STS transfer (loaded commodity) with the sanctioned tanker IMO 9198783.
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.
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MEROPE
Vessel name
MEROPE
IMO
9281891
Flag (Current)
unknown
Vessel Type
Crude Oil Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and price-cap policy on russian crude oil, the tanker is involved in the export of russian oil from russian ports in the Baltic, Black seas, and the Pacific region, mainly to China.
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 vessel is also involved in the transportation of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products. 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.
The tanker was illegally transporting hundreds of thousands of metric tons of Iranian oil on behalf of, among others, the sanctioned National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC). The National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) is one of the largest oil and gas companies in the world and is controlled by the Ministry of Oil of Iran. NIOC and its subsidiaries explore, produce, transport, process and export oil and natural gas in Iran. The oil deals of NIOC, including its subsidiaries, provide the Iranian regime with resources to finance its nuclear program, develop advanced drones and missiles, and provide ongoing financial and material support for the terrorist activities of its regional proxies.
On December 3, 2024, the US imposed sanctions on a tanker as part of restrictions on vessels that play a significant role in transporting illegal Iranian oil to foreign markets.
Since February 25 and March 4, 2025, the EU and Switzerland, respectively, have imposed sanctions on the tanker 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.
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 early January 2026, the tanker MEROPE (IMO 9281891), as part of a group of tankers, attempted to leave Venezuelan waters in dark mode (with AIS transponders turned off) to bypass the US blockade as part of Operation Southern Spear. After the US detained another vessel from this group (OLINA (IMO 9282479)) on January 9, 2026, the tanker MEROPE (IMO 9281891) and two other vessels (THALIA III (IMO 9259197) and MIN HANG (IMO 9257137)) returned to Venezuelan waters. All of these tankers were loaded with oil belonging to the sanctioned Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.
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THALIA III
Vessel name
THALIA III
IMO
9259197
Flag (Current)
unknown
Vessel Type
Crude Oil Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
During the 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, Black seas, and the Pacific region, mainly to China and India.
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 January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel.
The tanker is also involved in the export of Iranian and Venezuelan oil.
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.
Since October 30, 2025, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on the tanker.
In November 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In early January 2026, the tanker THALIA III (IMO 9259197), as part of a group of tankers, attempted to leave Venezuelan waters in dark mode (with AIS transponders turned off) to bypass the US blockade as part of Operation Southern Spear. After the US detained another vessel from this group (OLINA (IMO 9282479)) on January 9, 2026, the tanker THALIA III (IMO 9259197) and two other vessels (MIN HANG (IMO 9257137) and MEROPE (IMO 9281891)) returned to Venezuelan waters. All of these tankers were loaded with oil belonging to the sanctioned Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.
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FONDEYA
Vessel name
FONDEYA
IMO
9388742
Flag (Current)
Sierra Leone Sierra Leone
Vessel Type
Crude Oil Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
During the G7 and EU oil embargo and price-cap policy on russian oil, the tanker is involved in the export of russian oil to third countries from russian ports, including with the AIS system turned off.
The tanker is affiliated with another 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 related company Plutos Ship Management, which in 2023, along with Caishan Ship Management, Galena Ship Management, Gaurik Ship Management, Geras Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Orion Ship Management, Nautilus Shipping, Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment, Zidan Ship Management, was involved in a scheme to 'juggle' vessels operated by Gatik Ship Management to avoid sanctions.
Gatik Ship Management and Plutos Ship Management 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.
On February 24, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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.
In June 2025, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since September 12, 2025, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.
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AQUA TITAN
Vessel name
AQUA TITAN
IMO
9332781
Flag (Current)
Cameroon Cameroon
Vessel Type
Crude Oil Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
Since 2023, the 2006-built tanker with a deadweight of 115,536 tons has been involved in the export of russian crude oil from the russian ports of Ust-Luga and Primorsk in the Baltic Sea, mainly to India, as well as in the transshipment of russian oil by STS in the Red Sea. Until 2023, the tanker was not involved in the transportation of russian oil.
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as part of a shadow fleet of tankers that transport russian crude around the world and threaten the environment.
The ISM management of the vessel in 2023-2024 was carried out by the Indian company Margao Marine Solutions OPC. The said company carried out ISM management of another sanctioned shadow fleet tanker IMO 9402471, which was involved in a collision near Denmark when the tanker was sailing to load russian flagship Urals crude oil on March 04, 2024 in the Baltic port of Primorsk. This incident is an indication of the risks associated with the activities of the outdated shadow tanker fleet at sea.
Today, russia continues to make efforts to avoid/ circumvent sanctions, expand its shadow fleet with a growing number of outdated, poorly maintained vessels, use a 'ghost armada', many of which have experience in working under sanctions imposed on regimes such as Iran and Venezuela, use 'convenient' flags for vessel registration, complex ownership and management structures, and employ various tactics to conceal the origin of their cargo, including ship-to-shore transshipment (STS), disabling automatic identification systems (AIS), falsifying positions, transmitting false data, and other deceptive or even illegal methods. russia's shadow fleet, operating with minimal compliance with the rules and transporting huge volumes of crude oil through heavily trafficked routes through narrow straits close to the coastline, without proper P&I insurance, with the automatic identification system disabled, threatens an environmental disaster with significant economic costs to be borne by the affected coastal countries and/or the international community.
On December 17, 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on a vessel in connection with the transportation of crude oil or oil products originating in russia or from russia to a third country.
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 (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.
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NIGHT GLORY
Vessel name
NIGHT GLORY
IMO
9319674
Flag (Current)
Sierra Leone Sierra Leone
Vessel Type
Crude Oil Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
During the G7 and EU oil embargo and price-cap policy on russian oil, the tanker is involved in the export of russian oil to third countries from russian ports, including with the AIS system turned off. The vessel is certified by the Indian regulator Indian Register of Shipping (IACS).
The tanker is affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management, one of the leading operators of the so-called 'shadow fleet', which has become the largest carrier of russian oil under sanctions since the beginning of the full-scale war against Ukraine.
Tankers operated/managed by India's Gatik Ship Management continue to be used by related companies and call at russian ports.
As sanctions are being imposed, russia uses a scheme of "juggling" ships between related companies to conceal oil exports outside the price cap and other restrictions, as well as to hide the real owners of ships, and to ensure unimpeded transportation of fossil fuels by a 'shadow' fleet of obsolete oil tankers, creates new companies for these purposes (in the UAE, Hong Kong, India, Turkey, Mauritius, Seychelles, and other jurisdictions) with non-transparent organizational and ownership structures. In order to implement this scheme, technical/commercial management and ship owners are constantly changing, and vessels are renamed with a change of flag, MMSI, call-sign, including for sanctioned vessels. Shadow fleet vessels operate under "convenient flags", which allows them to conceal their true origin and avoid control by international organizations and insurance companies.
On February 24, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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.
In June 2025, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since October 30, 2025, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on the tanker.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.
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BAI LU
Vessel name
BAI LU
IMO
9388780
Flag (Current)
Sierra Leone Sierra Leone
Vessel Type
Crude Oil Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
Since March 2023, the 2009-built tanker with a deadweight of 108.94 thousand tons has been involved in the export of russian crude oil from the russian ports of Ust-Luga and Primorsk in the Baltic Sea, mainly to India. Until 2023, the tanker was not involved in the transportation of russian oil. Since February 2024, the vessel has been certified by the Indian Register of Shipping (IACS).
Oil exports are ussia's largest source of revenue. From February 2022 to June 2024, russia earned 475 billion euros in oil export revenues (68% of all fossil fuel export revenues). In 2023, about a third of all tax revenues in russia came from the sale of oil and gas. The tax on oil production collected by the russian federation in 2023 amounted to 8.9 trillion rubles, or 31% of total federal revenues. According to CREA data for September 2024, russia's revenues from crude oil exported by sea amounted to 192 million euros per day, 86% of the total volume of russian marine crude oil was transported by 'shadow' tankers, while tankers owned or insured in countries implementing price restrictions accounted for 14% of the total value of russian oil exported in September.
Today, russia continues to make efforts to avoid/ circumvent sanctions, expand its shadow fleet with a growing number of outdated, poorly maintained vessels, use a 'ghost armada', many of which have experience in working under sanctions imposed on regimes such as Iran and Venezuela, use 'convenient' flags for vessel registration, complex ownership and management structures, and employ various tactics to conceal the origin of their cargo, including ship-to-shore transshipment (STS), disabling automatic identification systems (AIS), falsifying positions, transmitting false data, and other deceptive or even illegal methods. russia's shadow fleet, operating with minimal compliance with the rules and transporting huge volumes of crude oil through heavily trafficked routes through narrow straits close to the coastline, without proper P&I insurance, with the automatic identification system disabled, threatens an environmental disaster with significant economic costs to be borne by the affected coastal countries and/or the international community.
On February 24, 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.
Since October 24, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since October 30, 2025, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on the tanker.
Since December 13, 2025, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.
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