Shadow Fleet

Marine vessels involved in the transportation of sanctioned oil
Total number:
1488
Marine vessels
545
Masters
Updated: 10.10.2026
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more than 100 million tons (approximately 17% of the world`s oil tanker fleet) consists of more than a thousand mostly outdated, poorly maintained vessels without proper insurance, with ‘confusing’ ownership and management structures located in ‘friendly’ jurisdictions, under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: 91 022 тис.тоннTotal: 896
AULIS
Vessel name
AULIS
IMO
9233765
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+ oil embargo and price-cap policy on russian crude oil/oil products, the tanker ss involved in the transportation of russian crude oil/oil products from russian ports in the Baltic, Black Seas, and Pacific regions. The vessel called at a russian port, where the price of oil was constantly trading above the price cap. 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 is affiliated with Noblefu Company Limited, 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, which is considered to be part of the shadow fleet, as a property in which Noblefu Company Limited has an interest.
According to GISIS IMO data as of July 15, 2025, the vessel's registration name is AULIS, and the flag is designated as "Curacao False".
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.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.
On September 24, 2026, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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BELUGA
Vessel name
BELUGA
IMO
9524451
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
The tanker is involved in the export of russian oil from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas, mainly to China and India, and in dark activities with AIS disabled.
The tanker is affiliated with Prominent Shipmanagement Limited (Hong Kong), which is an 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 relation to 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 a vessel considered to be part of the shadow fleet.
In August 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the tanker's master.
Since September 12, 2025, the United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since October 24, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In November 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 20, 2026, New Zealand imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On September 24, 2026, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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NOVATOR
Vessel name
NOVATOR
IMO
9297357
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 and EU oil embargo on russian oil, the tanker is involved in exporting russian oil to India and China from russian ports in the Baltic, Black seas and the Pacific region, and conducting dark activities at sea with the AIS signal turned off.
The vessel is certified by the Indian Register of Shipping (IACS).
The international non-governmental organization Greenpeace refers to the tanker as part of the shadow fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world and threatening the environment.
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 company Orion Ship Management LLP, which is affiliated with Gatik, which in 2023, together with Gaurik Ship Management LLP, Caishan Ship Management, Plutos Ship Management, Geras Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Galena Ship Management, Nautilus Shipping (India), Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment LLC, Zidan Ship Management, was involved in a scheme to 'juggle' vessels operated by Gatik Ship Management to avoid sanctions.
Gatik Ship Management and Orion Ship Management LLP were the previous managers of the tanker.
Tankers operated/managed by the Indian Gatik Ship Management continue to be used by related companies and call at russian ports.
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.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.
On September 24, 2026, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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RENS
Vessel name
RENS
IMO
9242223
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 embargo and price-cap policy on russian oil, the tanker is involved in the export of russian oil from the russian ports of Ust-Luga, Primorsk in the Baltic Sea, Novorossiysk, Taman, and Zhelezny Rog in the Black Sea, Kozmino in the Pacific region, mainly to Turkey, China, and India, and resorts to the practice of turning off the AIS signal and conducting so-called 'dark activities' at sea, including in the Kerch Strait area in the Black Sea.
The vessel calls at ports in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, specifically the ports of Kerch and Kamysh-Burun, in November 2024.
The vessel is also involved in the transport of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products.
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 affiliated with Chemul Ships Management Co LTD. Chemul Ships Management Co LTD operates another tanker, 'Spirit Of Casper' (IMO 9224271), which has been found to be involved in shadow trading activities, using deceptive shipping practices described in US government guidelines, which were often used during Iranian shipments off the coasts of Oman and the UAE to avoid detection of cargoes being loaded through ship-to-ship transfers in international waters.
The owner and commercial manager of the vessel is Symi Shipping LTD (Liberia). This address in Liberia is common to other companies affiliated with shadowy oil tankers.
russia's 'shadow fleet' continues to generate 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 safety 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.
According to GISIS IMO data as of July 15, 2025, the vessel's registration name is ADONIA, and the flag is designated as "Sint Maarten False".
Since September 12, 2025, the United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since October 24, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In November 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 20, 2026, New Zealand imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.
On September 24, 2026, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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LITEYNY PROSPECT
Vessel name
LITEYNY PROSPECT
IMO
9256078
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
The vessel is engaged in transportation of russian crude oil during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo on russian oil.
The vessel is owned by Oriental Carriers Co, managed by the russian company South Fleet LLC, affiliated with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot, the largest state-owned shipping company in russia for servicing and supporting offshore hydrocarbon production, transportation of russian oil, oil products, and liquefied natural gas.
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.
In February 2024, USA imposed sanctions on 14 vessels (including ІМО 9256078) affiliated with the sanctioned company Sovcomflot as part of measures to reduce russia's oil revenues.
Since September 12, 2025, the United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since October 24, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In November 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 20, 2026, New Zealand imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On September 24, 2026, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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LADOGA
Vessel name
LADOGA
IMO
9339313
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
The vessel is engaged in transportation of russian crude oil during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo on russian oil.
The tanker is owned and operated by Invest Fleet LLC, a russian company established in December 2023. Invest Fleet LLC is managed by the russian LLC SCF Arctica, a subsidiary of the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot, the largest state-owned shipping company in russia for servicing and supporting offshore hydrocarbon production, transportation of russian oil, oil products, and liquefied natural gas.
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.
In February 2024, USA imposed sanctions on 14 vessels (including the vessel IMO 9339313) affiliated with the sanctioned company Sovcomflot as part of measures to reduce russia's oil revenues.
Since September 12, 2025, the United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since October 24, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In November 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 20, 2026, New Zealand imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On September 24, 2026, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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AKCENT
Vessel name
AKCENT
IMO
9381732
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
The tanker is involved in the export of russian oil, including in violation of the G7 and EU oil embargo, in February 2023, transported russian crude oil to the EU (to the Gulf of Lakonikos, Greece) from the ports of Tuapse, Caucasus (russia).
The vessel affiliated with the beneficiaries of the sanctioned shipping company Hennesea Holdings Limited (UAE), founded in late 2022, operating in the maritime sector of the russian economy. Shortly before the entry into force of the price-cap policy, Hennesea acquired old tankers transporting russian crude oil and oil products and entering russian ports.
In January 2024, USA imposed sanctions to vessels affiliated with the beneficiaries of Hennesea.
According to GISIS IMO, the vessel is sailing under the false flag of Guinea.
In May-June 2025, the vessel is involved in the transportation of crude petroleum/petroleum products from an area near Malaysia to China.
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.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.
On April, 2026, the EU imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since May 22, 2026, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On September 24, 2026, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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GREGAL
Vessel name
GREGAL
IMO
9378876
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
The tanker, during the period of the G7+ oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil and petroleum products, is involved in the export of russian crude oil from russian Black Sea ports, particularly to India.
In February and May 2026, the tanker exported nearly 2 million barrels of Urals crude from the Sheshkharis terminal in the port of Novorossiysk to India.
The tanker belongs to the fleet of Cymare Navigation FZC (UAE). This company is linked through a group of tankers to the Cypriot company with a similar name — Cymare Shipmanagement Ltd (IMO 5883981, HE 309832). Cymare Shipmanagement Ltd is managed by: Andrei Hudzasvili (citizen of the Republic of Estonia) – director; Nikolay Spichenok (citizen of the United Kingdom) – director; Victoria Orlova Papaduri (citizen of the Republic of Cyprus) – serves as both director and secretary. A. Hudzasvili and N. Spichenok are also directors of the affiliated Cypriot company Cymare Crew Ltd (ΗΕ 359400). In addition, N. Spichenok is a director of Peremoga Investment Ltd (ΗΕ 300440) and a director of SCF Management Services (Cyprus) Ltd (HE 42739). From 2012 to 2015, N. Spichenok held the position of director of the technical fleet management department of the sanctioned company PJSC Sovcomflot. Sovcomflot PJSC is russia's largest state-owned shipping company providing services for offshore hydrocarbon production and transportation of russian oil, petroleum products, and liquefied gas. The main charterers of Sovcomflot PJSC 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, Varandey, Prirazlomnoye, Novy Port, Yamal LNG, and others.
On September 13, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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