Shadow Fleet

During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price-cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products, the tanker has been involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products to third countries, in particular from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas.
The tanker is affiliated with the sanctioned company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), considered one of the leading operators of the russian shadow fleet. At the beginning of 2023, Fractal Marine DMCC was among the three largest carriers of russian crude oil/petroleum products–along with Radiating World Shipping Services LLC (UAE) and Gatik Ship Management (India)–and played a key role in facilitating russian oil exports worldwide amid sanctions.
On February 22, 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on Fractal Marine DMCC for its involvement in servicing the russian energy sector. Fractal Marine DMCC operated a fleet of 28 tankers as an intermediary between shipowners and charterers. Following the sanctions, Fractal Marine DMCC transferred its fleet to other affiliated entities.
The vessel IMO 9387279 is part of a vast maritime network controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the son of Ali Shamkhani, chief political advisor to the Supreme Leader of Iran. Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani leverages his father’s political influence to cultivate corruption among senior Iranian officials, enabling the creation and operation of a massive fleet of tankers and container ships. This fleet transports oil and petroleum products from Iran and russia, as well as other cargoes, to buyers worldwide, generating tens of billions of dollars in profit.
The Shamkhani maritime network comprises an extensive fleet of vessels, ship management companies, and front entities that launder billions of dollars in proceeds from global sales of Iranian and russian crude oil and petroleum products, primarily to buyers in China. The network employs elaborate methods to conceal its operations and obscure its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and russia.
Algae Ship Charter FZCO (UAE), Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), and The Zulu Ships Management and Operation – Sole Proprietorship LLC (UAE), with which the tanker IMO 9387279 is affiliated, are among the companies that have played a key role in managing and operating the Shamkhani network’s tanker fleet.
On July 30, 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on the tanker IMO 9387279.
Since October 24, 2025, the EU has 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 24, 2026, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada 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/petroleum products, the tanker has been involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products to third countries, particularly from russian ports in the Baltic Sea.
The tanker is affiliated with the sanctioned company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), which is regarded as one of the leading operators of the russian shadow fleet. At the beginning of 2023, Fractal Marine DMCC was among the three largest carriers of russian crude oil/petroleum products – along with Radiating World Shipping Services LLC (UAE) and Gatik Ship Management (India) – and played a major role in facilitating russian oil exports worldwide under sanctions restrictions.
On February 22, 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on Fractal Marine DMCC for its involvement in servicing the russian energy sector. The company operated a fleet of 28 tankers, acting as an intermediary between shipowners and charterers. Following its designation, Fractal Marine DMCC transferred its fleet to the management of related entities.
The vessel IMO 9336490 is part of a vast shipping empire controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the son of Ali Shamkhani, chief political advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader. Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani leverages his father’s political influence to corrupt senior Iranian officials in order to build and operate a massive fleet of tankers and container ships. This fleet transports oil and petroleum products from Iran and russia, as well as other cargoes, to customers around the world, generating tens of billions of dollars in profits.
The Shamkhani shipping network comprises a large fleet of vessels, ship management companies, and front entities that launder billions of dollars in proceeds from the global sale of Iranian and russian crude oil and petroleum products, primarily to buyers in China. The network employs extensive measures to conceal its operations and obscure its connections to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and russia.
BPT Shipping Co LLC (UAE), Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), and The Zulu Ships Management and Operation – Sole Proprietorship LLC (UAE), with which the tanker IMO 9336490 is affiliated, are among the companies that have played a key role in managing and operating the tanker fleet of the Shamkhani maritime network.
On July 30, 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on the vessel IMO 9336490.
Since October 24, 2025, the EU has 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 24, 2026, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker is engaged in transportation of russian oil products to third countries and has repeatedly delivered shipments of russian oil products to the transshipment point in the Gulf of Lakonikos (Greece). The vessel is actively using deceptive, high-risk practices (turning off AIS near Greece, Malta, in the Kerch Strait area).
The tanker CHONGCHON is affiliated with Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment LLC, which is linked to India's Gatik Ship Management, one of the leading operators of the so-called "shadow" fleet, which played a key role in the transportation of russian oil under Western sanctions in 2022-2023. Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment LLC along with a number of other companies, namely Caishan Ship Management, Plutos Ship Management, Orion Ship Management, Geras Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Gaurik Ship Management LLP, Galena Ship Management, Nautilus Shipping (India), Zidan Ship Management, was involved in a scheme to "juggle" vessels operated by Gatik Ship Management to avoid sanctions.
Since October 24, 2025, the EU has 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 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.
On February 24, 2026, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada 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 transportation of crude oil/oil products from russian ports in the Black Sea using deceptive, high-risk practices (disabling AIS, in particular, in the Kerch Strait, Greece).
The tanker is affiliated through the sanctioned companies SCF Management Services Cyprus (Cyprus), Sun Ship Management (UAE), Oil Tankers SCF MGMT FZCO (UAE), Fornax Ship Management FZCO (UAE) with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot, the largest state-owned shipping company in russia that services and provides offshore hydrocarbon production, transportation of russian crude oil, oil products, and liquefied gas. The major charterers of PJSC Sovcomflot's vessels are russia's largest oil and gas companies and traders. PJSC Sovcomflot is involved in servicing major oil and gas projects in russia: Sakhalin-1, Sakhalin-2, Varandey, Prirazlomnoye, Novy Port, Yamal LNG and others. Since September 2024, the commercial manager of the tanker has been the Turkish company Golden Gate Ship Management Ltd, and since October 2024, the ISM manager has been the Turkish company Pier Denizcilik Ve Ticaret Ltd. These Turkish companies manage another tanker AKAR WEST (IMO 9258167), affiliated through the sanctioned companies SCF Management Services Cyprus (Cyprus), Sun Ship Management (UAE), Oil Tankers SCF MGMT FZCO (UAE), Fornax Ship Management FZCO (UAE) with PJSC Sovcomflot.
After the sanctions were imposed, PJSC Sovcomflot transferred dozens of vessels to the ownership of companies it had set up, including in foreign jurisdictions, in order to circumvent them, and started the practice of constantly 'juggling' (transferring) vessels to related companies. Tankers 're-registered' by PJSC Sovcomflot to related companies continue to transport russian crude oil/oil products under Western sanctions.
Since October 24, 2025, the EU has 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 24, 2026, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the export of russian oil from russian ports in the Baltic Sea to India, and entered the Kavkaz port area of the Kerch Strait with the AIS signal turned off.
On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel as a property in which the sanctioned russian Rosnefteflot JSC has an interest.
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.
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.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products under the G7+ oil embargo, price-cap policy for russian crude oil/oil products, in particular from russian ports in the Baltic Sea, including with the AIS disabled.
The vessel is affiliated through the sanctioned companies Sun Ship Management (UAE), Oil Tankers SCF MGMT FZCO (UAE), Fornax Ship Management FZCO (UAE) with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot, the largest state-owned shipping company in russia engaged in servicing and supporting offshore hydrocarbon production, transportation of russian crude oil, oil products, and liquefied natural gas. The major charterers of PJSC Sovcomflot's vessels are russia's largest oil and gas companies and traders. PJSC Sovcomflot is involved in servicing major oil and gas projects in russia: Sakhalin-1, Sakhalin-2, Varandey, Prirazlomnoye, Novy Port, Yamal LNG and others.
On January 10, 2025, USA 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.
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.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products under the oil embargo imposed by the G7 countries and the European Union, as well as the price-cap policy on russian crude oil/oil products, in particular from russian ports in the Black Sea, including the use of deceptive practices.
The vessel, through the sanctioned companies Sun Ship Management (UAE), Oil Tankers SCF MGMT FZCO (UAE), Fornax Ship Management FZCO (UAE), is affiliated with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot, the largest state-owned shipping company in russia for servicing and supporting offshore hydrocarbon production, transportation of russian crude oil, oil products, and liquefied gas. The major charterers of PJSC Sovcomflot's vessels are russia's largest oil and gas companies and traders. PJSC Sovcomflot is involved in servicing major oil and gas projects in russia: 'Sakhalin-1', 'Sakhalin-2', 'Varandey', 'Prirazlomnoye', 'Novy Port', 'Yamal LNG' and others.
On January 10, 2025, USA 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.
According to GISIS IMO, as of July 16, 2025 the vessel's flag is unknown. At the same time, the vessel sails under the flag of the Comoros.
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.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products under the G7+ oil embargo and the price-cap policy for russian crude oil/oil products, in particular from russian ports in the Pacific region to China. The vessel actively resorts to deceptive, high-risk practices (disabling AIS, conducting so-called dark activities) in the Baltic Sea near the russian ports of Ust-Luga and Primorsk in October 2024 and January 2025 (from January 10 for two days, January 12 for 9 hours, January 19 for 18 hours).
The tanker is affiliated through the sanctioned companies Sun Ship Management (UAE), Oil Tankers SCF MGMT FZCO (UAE), Fornax Ship Management FZCO (UAE) 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 gas. The major charterers of PJSC Sovcomflot's vessels are russia's largest oil and gas companies and traders. PJSC Sovcomflot is involved in servicing major oil and gas projects in russia: Sakhalin-1, Sakhalin-2, Varandey, Prirazlomnoye, Novy Port, Yamal LNG and others.
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.
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 December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products under the G7+ oil embargo and the price-cap policy for russian crude oil/petroleum products, in particular from russian ports in the Pacific region to China. The vessel actively resorts to deceptive, high-risk practices (disabling AIS, conducting so-called dark activities) in the Black Sea near the russian ports of Tuapse and Sochi, in particular in January 2025.
The vessel is affiliated through the sanctioned companies Sun Ship Management (UAE), Oil Tankers SCF MGMT FZCO (UAE), Fornax Ship Management FZCO (UAE) with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot, the largest state-owned shipping company in russia for servicing and supporting offshore hydrocarbon production, transportation of russian crude oil, oil products, and liquefied gas. The major charterers of PJSC Sovcomflot's vessels are russia's largest oil and gas companies and traders. PJSC Sovcomflot is involved in servicing major oil and gas projects in russia: Sakhalin-1, Sakhalin-2, Varandey, Prirazlomnoye, Novy Port, Yamal LNG and others.
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.
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 December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products under the G7+ oil embargo, the price-cap policy for russian crude oil/oil products, in particular from russian ports in the Baltic, Black Sea, and Pacific regions, in particular, using deceptive, high-risk practices.
The vessel is affiliated through the sanctioned companies Sun Ship Management (UAE), Oil Tankers SCF MGMT FZCO (UAE), Fornax Ship Management FZCO (UAE) with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot, the largest state-owned shipping company in russia that services and provides offshore hydrocarbon production, transportation of russian crude oil, oil products, and liquefied gas. The major charterers of PJSC Sovcomflot's vessels are russia's largest oil and gas companies and traders. PJSC Sovcomflot is involved in servicing major oil and gas projects in russia: Sakhalin-1, Sakhalin-2, Varandey, Prirazlomnoye, Novy Port, Yamal LNG and others.
On January 10, 2025, USA 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.
On July 21, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products under the G7+ oil embargo, price-cap policy for russian crude oil/oil products, in particular from russian ports in the Baltic, Black Seas, including with the AIS disabled.
The vessel is affiliated through the sanctioned companies Sun Ship Management (UAE), Oil Tankers SCF MGMT FZCO (UAE), Fornax Ship Management FZCO (UAE) with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot, the largest state-owned shipping company in russia engaged in servicing and supporting offshore hydrocarbon production, transportation of russian crude oil, oil products, and liquefied natural gas. The major charterers of PJSC Sovcomflot's vessels are russia's largest oil and gas companies and traders. PJSC Sovcomflot is involved in servicing major oil and gas projects in russia: Sakhalin-1, Sakhalin-2, Varandey, Prirazlomnoye, Novy Port, Yamal LNG and others.
On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 24, 2025, EU imposed sanctions on a tanker associated with a sanctioned person (the sanctions come into force on February 25, 2025).
On March 04, 2025, Switzerland imposed sanctions on the tanker as a vessel associated with a sanctioned entity.
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.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker was involved in transporting russian petroleum products from russian ports in the Baltic Sea to third countries, including Syria in September-October 2024, and delivering russian oil / petroleum products from the Baltic to russian naval facilities in Syria, escorted by russian Navy vessels. In particular, the tanker is part of the so-called russian rescue group sent from the russian naval base in Baltiysk in December 2024 to evacuate russian troops and equipment from Syria after the fall of the Assad regime.
As of September 3, 2024, the owner and commercial manager of the tanker is the russian company SK Perspektiva LLC (TIN 5047296962), incorporated in July 2024. From September 2024 to September 2025, the technical manager was the russian sanctioned company JSC Sovfracht (TIN 7702059030), part of the sanctioned group of companies Sovfracht-Sovmortrans, known for its contribution to the temporary occupation and consolidation of russia in Crimea. Sovfracht's ferries delivered russian military personnel, equipment, and fuel to Crimea, and its pontoon barges, in violation of sanctions, delivered Siemens turbines to Sevastopol and Feodosia. Sovfracht JSC is a russian transport and logistics company that provides material and technical support to the russian Ministry of Defense, including functioning as a key hub for russian cargo ships' military transport networks delivering North Korean weapons (ammunition) from the DPRK to military facilities in the russian port of Danube for use in the war against Ukraine. The company has extensive experience in organizing logistics along the Northern Sea Route, participates in the implementation of major infrastructure projects, and ensures the transport accessibility of russian regions under sanctions. Since March 2020, it has been included in the List of System-Forming Organizations of the russian federation.
Since September 2025, the technical manager was changed to the russian company Universal Transport Group LLC ( TIN 7724942383), affiliated through relatives with Purim Dmitry Yurievich, chairman of the board of directors of Sovfracht JSC, who is called a "contractor-scheme generator" for generals of the Ministry of Defense and other departments of the russian federation and who was awarded the medal "For the Return of Crimea."
The majority beneficiary (90% stake) of Universal Transport Group LLC is Anastasia Sergeyevna Purim ( TIN 772075666250), with 5% each belonging to Protsyuk Veronika Vasilyevna (TIN 502913065460) and Stepchenkov Andrey Anatolyevich (TIN 772203228110), who is a member of the board of directors of Sovfracht JSC. Anastasia Sergeyevna Purim is the founder of other russian companies:
— a 90% stake in SEVMORPUTTRANS LLC (TIN 2901301374), with 5% each belonging to Veronika Vasilyevna Protsyuk and Andrey Anatolyevich Stepchenkov;
— a 75% stake in SMP MORSERVIS LLC (TIN 2901302900), with a 25% stake owned by the sanctioned russian company SMP OJSC (TIN 2901008432), whose shareholder is Sovfracht JSC. SMP OJSC is affiliated with the russian Ministry of Defense and, in particular, provides services under state defense contracts for the transportation of cargo in the interests of the russian Ministry of Defense. Since 2014, OAO SMP has been an active participant in a large logistics chain for the development of infrastructure in the Arctic on behalf of the russian Ministry of Defense. SMP OJSC provides maritime cargo transportation services on a contractual basis for the sanctioned State Grain Operator ( TIN 9001011019), registered in the TOT of Zaporizhzhia region, Melitopol;
— a 49% stake in STIVIDORY YAMAL LLC ( TIN 7702406533), a 51% majority stake is owned by Andrey Vasilievich Shtyrba ( TIN 772506667607), who has been working for the Sovfracht-Sovmortrans group of companies since 2006;
— a 90% stake in KOKSOCHIMTRANS LLC (TIN 7707294809), which is subject to USA and Ukrainian sanctions. KOKSOCHIMTRANS LLC is a transport and forwarding company that provides more than 35% of maritime traffic between the mainland of the russian federation and the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea, Ukraine. KOKSOCHIMTRANS LLC is affiliated with the Sovfracht-Sovmortrans group of companies. KOKSOCHIMTRANS LLC is also affiliated with two sanctioned vessels, IMO 9310018 and IMO 9338230, as their former owner.
Since October 24, 2025, the EU 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 24, 2026, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada has imposed sanctions on the vessel.