Marine vessels

The tanker during the period of the G7+ oil embargo and price-cap policy on russian crude oil/oil products is involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products from russian ports to third countries. The international non-governmental organization Greenpeace refers to the tanker as a shadowy fleet of tankers that transport russian oil around the world and threaten the environment. 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 the Indian Gatik Ship Management continue to be used by related companies and call at russian ports. On November 25, 2024, the 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 February 21, 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.

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 to third countries from russian ports, in particular in the Baltic Sea, including with the AIS disabled. The tanker is affiliated with Galena Ship Management and Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment, which were the former ISM managers of the vessel in 2023. Galena Ship Management, Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagement are among a number of other companies involved in the 'juggling' of shadow fleet vessels associated 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. The constant change of owners and managers of vessels to avoid sanctions and conceal the true beneficiaries of the vessels is a typical phenomenon for the 'shadow' fleet involved in the russian oil and oil products trade. On October 17, 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on tankers of the russian so-called 'shadow' fleet, including the tanker ІМО 9299733, in connection with the transportation of russian oil and/or oil products from russia to third countries. On February 21, 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.

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. 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 October 2024. 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 affiliated with Delnaz Ship Management Sdn Bhd, which was sanctioned by USA on October 11, 2024 for providing material, sponsorship or financial, material or technological support, or goods or services to support the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) within the framework of expanding restrictions on the oil and petrochemical sector of Iran. On October 11, 2024, USA imposed sanctions on the tanker as a property in which Delnaz Ship Management Sdn Bhd has an interest. According to GISIS IMO data as of July 15, 2025, the vessel's registered name is CROSS OCEAN, the flag is unknown. At the same time, the vessel sails under the name BLUEBELL, the flag of Curacao. 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.

The tanker type ‘Aframax’ is involved in the transportation and export of russian oil from russian ports during the period of the oil embargo by the G7 and the EU and the price-cap policy for russian oil. In February-March 2024, the tanker transported russian oil from the russian port of Novorossiysk in the Black sea to the port of Zhoushan (China). In May-June 2024, the tanker transported russian oil from the russian port of Ust-Luga in the Baltic Sea to the port of Sikka (India). In February 2023, the tanker was detained in Ferrol (Spain) under the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control after authorities found ‘technical and documentary deficiencies’ during an inspection in the northwestern port of Ferrol. Spain has fined Vietnamese operator Hung Phat Maritime Trading EUR 120 thousand for a ship-to-ship transshipment operation that took place outside the port boundaries but in Spanish territorial waters. 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. 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.

The tanker during the period of the G7+ oil embargo, the price cap policy on russian crude oil/oil products is involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products from russian ports in the Baltic Sea, and resorts to conducting dark activities with the disabling of AIS. The tanker is affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE, under UK sanctions), one of the leading operators of the so-called shadow fleet involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products in 2022-2023. The shipping company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE) was established shortly before the G7 countries introduced a price-cap policy on russian oil after russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and played a significant role in the transportation of russian oil. On February 22, 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on Fractal Marine DMCC in connection with its involvement in servicing the russian energy sector. Fractal Marine DMCC operated a fleet of 28 tankers as an intermediary between ship owners and charterers. Fractal Marine DMCC, together with Gatik Ship Management (India) and Radiating World Shipping Services LLC (UAE, under UK sanctions), are considered to be the leading operators of the russian shadow fleet, which in early 2023 assembled a fleet of about 90 tankers, 90% of which transported russian crude oil/oil products from the Baltic and Black Seas ports of russia to India, China, Turkey, the Middle East, Africa and South America. In less than a year, the $2 billion fleet of oil tankers assembled by Fractal and Gatik could transport more than 40 million barrels of crude oil/oil products. Fractal Marine DMCC, Gatik Ship Management and Radiating World Shipping Services LLC in the tanker market helped russian crude oil continue to circulate around the world and the russian government to generate multibillion-dollar revenues bypassing the sanctions. After Fractal Marine was sanctioned, DMCC tried to challenge the sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom but lost in court. After that, the company "re-signed" its fleet to other companies. The safety management of the tanker in 2023-2024 was carried out by Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), which also managed 19 other vessels affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC. The vessel IMO 9433016 is part of a vast shipping empire controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the son of Ali Shamkhani, the chief political advisor to the Supreme Leader of Iran. Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani uses corruption through his father's political influence at the highest levels of the Iranian regime to build and operate a huge fleet of tankers and container ships. This network transports crude oil and petroleum products from Iran and russia, as well as other cargoes, to buyers around the world, generating tens of billions of dollars in profits. The Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani network consists of a huge fleet of vessels, ship management companies and front companies which launder billions of dollars in profits from the global sales of Iranian and russian crude oil and petroleum products, mostly to buyers in China. The network undertakes extensive measures to disguise its operations and obfuscate its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and russia. Fractal Marine DMCC, Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ, The Zulu Ships Management and Operation - Sole Proprietorship LLC, with which the tanker IMO 9433016 is affiliated, are among the companies that have played a significant role in the management and operation of the Shamkhani tanker fleet. On July 30, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on 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 from russian ports in the Baltic, Black Sea, and Pacific regions, and resorts to conducting dark activities with the deactivation of AIS in the area of the port of Ust-Luga. The vessel is affiliated with the sanctioned company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), one of the leading operators of the so-called shadow fleet involved in the export of russian crude oil / petroleum products in 2022-2023. The shipping company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE) was established shortly before the G7 countries adopted a price-cap policy on russian oil after russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and played a significant role in the transportation of russian oil. Fractal Marine DMCC operated a fleet of 28 tankers as an intermediary between ship owners and charterers. After the sanctions were imposed, Fractal Marine DMCC tried to challenge the sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom but lost in court. After that, the company "re-signed" its fleet to other companies. The security management of the tanker in 2023-2024 was carried out by Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), which also managed 19 other vessels affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC. The tanker, IMO 9400980, is part of a vast shipping empire controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the son of Ali Shamkhani, the chief political advisor to the Supreme Leader of Iran. Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani uses corruption through his father's political influence at the highest levels of the Iranian regime to build and operate a huge fleet of tankers and container ships. This network transports oil and petroleum products from Iran and russia, as well as other cargoes, to buyers around the world, generating tens of billions of dollars in profits. The Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani network consists of a huge fleet of ships, ship management firms and front companies that launder billions of dollars in profits from global sales of Iranian and russian crude oil and petroleum products, most often to buyers in China. The network takes significant steps to disguise its operations and obfuscate its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and russia. The companies Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), with which the tanker IMO 9400980 is affiliated, are among the companies that have played a significant role in the management and operation of the Shamkhani tanker fleet. On July 30, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the tanker IMO 9400980.

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, in particular, from russian ports in the Black Sea, and in deceptive, high-risk practices (turning off AIS, in particular, in the Kerch Strait area in the Black Sea). The tanker called at the port of Komysh-Burun of the TOT of Ukraine in February 2015. The tanker makes frequent calls to the port of the russian Taman terminal of the LPG, crude oil and oil products transshipment complex. In April 2023, an STS transfer took place near Greece with the tanker IMO 9274434 (under USA and UK sanctions), affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management, one of the leading operators of the shadow fleet involved in the transportation of russian crude oil under Western sanctions, and the Gatik-related company Orion Ship Management LLP, which in 2023, together with Caishan Ship Management, Plutos Ship Management, Gaurik Ship Management LLP, 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. The tanker is affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE, under UK sanctions for its involvement in servicing the energy sector of the russian economy). Fractal Marine DMCC is considered to be one of the leading operators of the so-called shadow fleet involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products under Western sanctions in 2022-2023. The shipping company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE) was established shortly before the G7 countries introduced a price-cap policy on russian crude oil/oil products and played a significant role in the transportation of russian crude oil/oil products under sanctions. After the sanctions were imposed on Fractal Marine, DMCC tried to challenge the sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom, but lost in court. After that, the company 're-signed' its fleet to other companies. Thus, the tankers previously managed by Fractal Marine DMCC were transferred to new management companies, in particular, Zulu Ships Management (UAE). The vessels managed by Zulu Ships Management continue to export russian crude oil/oil products from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas. The tanker is managed by Zulu Ships Management, which also operates other tankers affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC - IMO 9433016, IMO 9387279, IMO 9336490, IMO 9332315, IMO 9328170, IMO 9298492, IMO 9282493, IMO 9282481, IMO 9252955, which call at russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas, while tankers IMO 9332315 and IMO 9298492 also call at the port of Kamysh-Burun in the TOT of Crimea. The vessel, IMO 9388027, is part of a vast shipping empire controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the son of Ali Shamkhani, the chief political advisor to the Supreme Leader of Iran. Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani uses corruption through his father's political influence at the highest levels of the Iranian regime to build and operate a huge fleet of tankers and container ships. This network transports oil and petroleum products from Iran and russia, as well as other cargoes, to buyers around the world, generating tens of billions of dollars in profits. The Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani network consists of a huge fleet of ships, ship management firms and front companies that launder billions of dollars in profits from global sales of Iranian and russian crude oil and petroleum products, mostly to buyers in China. The network takes significant steps to disguise its operations and obfuscate its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and russia. BPT Shipping Co LLC (UAE), Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), The Zulu Ships Management and Operation - Sole Proprietorship LLC (UAE), with which the tanker IMO 9388027 is affiliated, are among the companies that have played a significant role in the management and operation of the Shamkhani tanker fleet. On July 30, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the tanker IMO 9388027.

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, in particular, from russian ports in the Baltic Sea. The tanker is affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE, under United Kingdom sanctions for its involvement in servicing the energy sector of the russian economy). Fractal Marine DMCC is considered to be one of the leading operators of the so-called shadow fleet involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products under Western sanctions in 2022-2023. The shipping company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE) was established shortly before the G7 countries introduced a price-cap policy on russian crude oil/oil products and played a significant role in the transportation of russian crude oil/oil products under sanctions. After the sanctions were imposed on Fractal Marine DMCC, the company tried to appeal the sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom, but lost in court. After that, the company 're-signed' its fleet to other companies. Thus, the tankers previously managed by Fractal Marine DMCC were transferred to new management companies, in particular, Algae Ship Charter FZCO (UAE). The vessels managed by Algae Ship Charter FZCO continue to export russian crude oil/oil products from the russian ports of Primorsk and Ust-Luga in the Baltic Sea. The safety management of the tanker from May 2023 to February 2025 was carried out by Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), which also managed 19 other vessels affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC. In particular, on January 10, 2025, the 19-year-old tanker IMO 9308065, which was managed by Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ, loaded with russian crude oil (99 thousand tons) in the port of Ust-Luga, lost control in the Baltic Sea. According to the German Havariekommando, the vessel's power supply system and engine failed, the ship lost its ability to maneuver and began to drift at low speed in the open sea near the island of Rügen. This incident once again demonstrates the growing threat of oil spills by outdated shadow fleet vessels. The vessel, IMO 9318022, is part of a vast shipping empire controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the son of Ali Shamkhani, the chief political advisor to the Supreme Leader of Iran. Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani uses corruption through his father's political influence at the highest levels of the Iranian regime to build and operate a huge fleet of tankers and container ships. This network transports oil and petroleum products from Iran and russia, as well as other cargoes, to buyers around the world, generating tens of billions of dollars in profits. The Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani network consists of a huge fleet of ships, ship management firms and front companies that launder billions of dollars in profits from global sales of Iranian and russian crude oil and petroleum products, mostly to buyers in China. The network takes significant steps to disguise its operations and obfuscate its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and russia. The companies Crios Shipping LLC, Fractal Marine DMCC, Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ, Algae Ship Charter FZCO, with which the tanker IMO 9318022 is affiliated, are among the companies that have played a significant role in the management and operation of the Shamkhani tanker fleet. At the same time, Crios Shipping LLC is involved in the supply of missiles, drone components and dual-use goods from Iran to russia in exchange for russian oil supplies. On July 30, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the tanker IMO 9318022.

The tanker during the period of the G7+ oil embargo, the price cap policy on russian crude oil / petroleum products is involved in the export of russian crude oil / petroleum products, in particular, from russian ports in the Black Sea, conducting deceptive, high-risk practices (turning off AIS, in particular, in the Kerch Strait area in the Black Sea). In 2025, the tanker called at the Sheskharis oil terminal (Novorossiysk port), which is a transshipment complex, the end point of the main pipelines of Chernomortransneft JSC (TIN 2315072242, under USA sanctions), a subsidiary of the sanctioned russian Transneft PJSC (TIN 7706061801). In March 2025, the tanker called at the port of Kamysh-Burun in the TOT of Ukraine. In May 2024, STS transmissions took place near Romania with the tanker IMO 9220938, which was subject to USA sanctions in October 2024 for illegal supplies of Iranian oil, and the tanker IMO 9637973, affiliated with the russian company Volgotrans LLC, which is under Ukrainian sanctions. Transshipment of crude oil / petroleum products of russian origin at sea using the STS method allows concealing the ownership and origin of the cargo, legalizing their supply to the EU, USA and other countries. In turn, the sale of crude oil / petroleum products on the world market allows accumulating significant financial resources in the state budget of the russian federation, which are used, among other things, to build up the military potential of the aggressor state and material support for russia's military operations on the territory of Ukraine. The vessel is affiliated with the sanctioned company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), one of the leading operators of the so-called shadow fleet involved in the export of russian crude oil / petroleum products in 2022-2023. The shipping company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE) was established shortly before the G7 countries adopted a price-cap policy on russian oil after russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and played a significant role in the transportation of russian oil. Fractal Marine DMCC operated a fleet of 28 tankers as an intermediary between ship owners and charterers. After the sanctions were imposed, Fractal Marine DMCC tried to challenge the sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom but lost in court. After that, the company "re-signed" its fleet to other companies. Thus, the tankers previously managed by Fractal Marine DMCC were transferred to new management companies, in particular, Zulu Ships Management (UAE). The vessels managed by Zulu Ships Management continue to export russian crude oil / petroleum products. The tanker IMO 9298492 is managed by Zulu Ships Management, which also operates other tankers affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC, some of which call at the ports of the TOT of Ukraine. The vessel, IMO 9298492, is part of a vast shipping empire controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the son of Ali Shamkhani, the chief political advisor to the Supreme Leader of Iran. Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani uses corruption through his father's political influence at the highest levels of the Iranian regime to build and operate a huge fleet of tankers and container ships. This network transports oil and petroleum products from Iran and russia, as well as other cargoes, to buyers around the world, generating tens of billions of dollars in profits. The Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani network consists of a huge fleet of ships, ship management firms and front companies that launder billions of dollars in profits from global sales of Iranian and russian crude oil and petroleum products, mostly to buyers in China. The network takes significant steps to disguise its operations and obfuscate its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and russia. BPT Shipping Co LLC (UAE), Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), The Zulu Ships Management and Operation - Sole Proprietorship LLC (UAE), with which the tanker IMO 9298492 is affiliated, are among the companies that have played a significant role in the management and operation of the Shamkhani tanker fleet. On July 30, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the tanker IMO 9298492.

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, in particular, from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas, and is engaged in dark activities near the russian port of Ust-Luga 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. The tanker is affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE, under UK sanctions for its involvement in servicing the energy sector of the russian economy). Fractal Marine DMCC is considered to be one of the leading operators of the so-called shadow fleet involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products under Western sanctions in 2022-2023. The shipping company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE) was established shortly before the G7 countries introduced a price-cap policy on russian crude oil/oil products and played a significant role in the transportation of russian crude oil/oil products under sanctions. The tanker is also affiliated with Macario Shipping LLC (UAE), which fleet participated in the sanctioned trade. The vessel IMO 9282041 is part of a vast shipping empire controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the son of Ali Shamkhani, the chief political advisor to the Supreme Leader of Iran. Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani uses corruption through his father's political influence at the highest levels of the Iranian regime to build and operate a huge fleet of tankers and container ships. This network transports oil and petroleum products from Iran and russia, as well as other cargoes, to buyers around the world, generating tens of billions of dollars in profits. Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani's network consists of a vast fleet of ships, ship management companies, and front companies, some of which pose as legitimate financial services companies, laundering billions in profits from worldwide sales of Iranian and russian crude oil and other petroleum products, most often to buyers in China. Though the network has gone to great lengths to disguise its operations and obfuscate its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and Russia. Fractal Marine DMCC, with which the vessel IMO 9282041 is affiliated, is one of a number of companies that have played a significant role in the management and operation of the Shamkhani tanker fleet. On July 30, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker, during the period of the G7+ oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products, is involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products, in particular from russian ports in the Baltic Sea, and is engaged in dark activities near the russian port of Ust-Luga in the Baltic Sea, as well as in the Kerch Strait. In July 2024, an STS transfer took place near Italy with the tanker IMO 9384459, which was sanctioned by UK in February 2025 and arrived for transshipment from the russian port of Talagi (where the facilities of the Rosneft asset (formerly Arkhangelsknefteprodukt) are located). The vessel is affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE, under UK sanctions), one of the leading operators of the so-called shadow fleet involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products in 2022-2023. On February 22, 2024, UK imposed sanctions on Fractal Marine DMCC in connection with its involvement in servicing the russian energy sector. Fractal Marine DMCC operated a fleet of 28 tankers as an intermediary between ship owners and charterers. After the sanctions were imposed, Fractal Marine DMCC tried to challenge the sanctions imposed by UK, but lost in court. After that, the company "re-registered" its fleet to other companies established, in particular, in the UAE. The tanker is affiliated with Macario Shipping LLC (UAE), which fleet was involved in the sanctioned trade. The tanker is also affiliated with Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), which was the tanker's ISM manager in 2023-2024. Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ managed 20 vessels affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC. A vessel from the Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ fleet loaded with russian oil was involved in an incident in the Baltic Sea that threatened environmental safety. In particular, on January 10, 2025, the 19-year-old tanker IMO 9308065, which was managed by Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ and loaded with russian oil (99 thousand tons) in the port of Ust-Luga, lost control in the Baltic Sea. According to the German Havariekommando, the vessel's power supply system and engine failed, the ship lost its ability to maneuver and began to drift at low speed in the open sea near the island of Rügen. This incident once again demonstrates the growing threat of oil spills by outdated shadow fleet vessels. The tanker is commercially managed by Zulu Ships Management, which also operates other tankers affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC - IMO 9433016, IMO 9387279, IMO 9336490, IMO 9332315, IMO 9328170, IMO 9298492, IMO 9282493, IMO 9282481, IMO 9252955, which call at russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas, while tankers IMO 9332315 and IMO 9298492 call at the port of Komysh-Burun in the TOT of Crimea. On April 11, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel IMO 9252955. The vessel, IMO 9252955, is part of a vast shipping empire controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the son of Ali Shamkhani, the chief political advisor to the Supreme Leader of Iran. Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani uses corruption through his father's political influence at the highest levels of the Iranian regime to build and operate a huge fleet of tankers and container ships. This network transports oil and petroleum products from Iran and russia, as well as other cargoes, to buyers around the world, generating tens of billions of dollars in profits. The Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani network consists of a huge fleet of ships, ship management firms and front companies that launder billions of dollars in profits from global sales of Iranian and russian crude oil and petroleum products, mostly to buyers in China. The network takes significant steps to disguise its operations and obfuscate its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and russia. Fractal Marine DMCC, Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ, Algae Ship Charter FZCO, The Zulu Ships Management and Operation - Sole Proprietorship LLC, with which the tanker IMO 9252955 is affiliated, are among the companies that have played a significant role in the management and operation of the Shamkhani network's tanker fleet. On July 30, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the tanker.

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 the russian ports of Primorsk, Ust-Luga in the Baltic Sea to third countries, and resorts to the practice of conducting dark activities in the Baltic Sea with the AIS signal turned off. The vessel is affiliated with the sanctioned company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), one of the leading operators of the so-called shadow fleet involved in the export of russian crude oil / petroleum products in 2022-2023. The shipping company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE) was established shortly before the G7 countries adopted a price-cap policy on russian oil after russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and played a significant role in the transportation of russian oil. Fractal Marine DMCC operated a fleet of 28 tankers as an intermediary between ship owners and charterers. After the sanctions were imposed, Fractal Marine DMCC tried to challenge the sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom but lost in court. After that, the company "re-signed" its fleet to other companies. The tanker is managed by The Zulu Ships Management & Operation - Sole Proprietorship LLC, which also operates other tankers affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC. On April 11, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the captain of the vessel IMO 9282481. The tanker, IMO 9282481, is part of a vast shipping empire controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the son of Ali Shamkhani, the chief political advisor to the Supreme Leader of Iran. Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani uses corruption through his father's political influence at the highest levels of the Iranian regime to build and operate a huge fleet of tankers and container ships. This network transports oil and petroleum products from Iran and russia, as well as other cargoes, to buyers around the world, generating tens of billions of dollars in profits. The Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani network consists of a huge fleet of ships, ship management firms and front companies that launder billions of dollars in profits from global sales of Iranian and russian crude oil and petroleum products, most often to buyers in China. The network takes significant steps to disguise its operations and obfuscate its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and russia. Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), Algae Ship Charter FZCO (UAE), The Zulu Ships Management & Operation - Sole Proprietorship LLC (UAE), with which the tanker IMO 9282481 is affiliated, are among the companies that have played a significant role in the management and operation of the Shamkhani tanker fleet. On July 30, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the tanker IMO 9282481.