ETHERA

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.