ZVEZDA 044

In June 2024, USA imposed sanctions on four LNG tankers, IMO 9904687, IMO 9904546, IMO 9904675, IMO 9904699, which are still under construction, as part of restrictions on russia's future revenues from liquefied natural gas. It was determined that the tankers are operated by the sanctioned russian company PJSC Sovcomflot.
PJSC Sovcomflot is the largest state-owned shipping company in russia for servicing and providing offshore hydrocarbon production, transporting russian oil, oil products, and liquefied gas.
The services provided by PJSC Sovcomflot are a significant source of income for russia, as more than 70% of russia's income comes from the sale of energy resources, which allows it to finance the war against Ukraine.
The main charterers of PJSC Sovcomflot 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 August 2024, the tanker IMO 9904699 has been owned by the sanctioned russian company PJSC Novatek, russia's largest independent gas producer, engaged in the exploration, production, processing and sale of natural gas and liquid hydrocarbons.