ARYABHATA

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 international NGO Greenpeace refers the tanker to a shadow fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world and threatening the natural 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 Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment LLC, related to Gatik, which in 2023, together with Caishan Ship Management, Galena Ship Management, Gaurik Ship Management LLP, Geras Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Orion Ship Management LLP, Nautilus Shipping (India), Plutos Ship Management, Zidan Ship Management, was involved in a scheme to 'juggle' vessels managed by Gatik Ship Management to avoid sanctions.
Gatik Ship Management and Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment LLC were the previous managers of the tanker in 2022-2023.
Tankers operated/managed by India's 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.