Marine Vessels

The tanker is involved in the export of russian oil/oil products, including to the EU in violation of the G7 and EU oil embargo, in particular, from the port of Tuapse to EU countries via transvesselment in May 2023.
The vessel affiliated with the beneficiaries of the sanctioned shipping company Hennesea Holdings Limited (UAE), founded in late 2022, operating in the maritime sector of the russian economy. Shortly before the entry into force of the price-cap policy, Hennesea acquired old tankers transporting russian crude oil and oil products and entering russian ports.
In January 2024, USA imposed sanctions to vessels affiliated with the beneficiaries of Hennesea.
According to GISIS ІМО registry data as of early July 2025, the vessel's name is SENSUS, flag is unknown.
Since the beginning of 2025, the tanker has been involved in transportation in the Venezuelan region.
Since September 12, 2025, the United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In November 2025, Canada 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.

The vessel is considered to be part of the so-called "shadow fleet," which is used to circumvent sanctions on crude oil trade with Iran, russia, and Venezuela.
The vessel was involved in transporting Iranian crude oil in Karystos Bay (Petalioi Gulf), and was detained by the Greek Coast Guard in April 2022.
In 2020-2025, the tanker is affiliated with the russian shipping company MG-Flot LLC (formerly Transmorfot LLC).
In May 2022, the US imposed sanctions on Transmorfloot LLC and the company's vessels involved in transporting weapons to russia.
MG-Flot LLC is affiliated with Astrakhan businessman Jamaldin Emir Magomedovich Pashayev, who built his business around the commercial port of Olya in the Astrakhan region. This location was proposed as the key logistics hub of the North-South international transport corridor, the development and construction of which was supervised and controlled by former russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov. The key purpose of the transport corridor was trade with sanctioned Iran, which could import and export goods via the North-South route. This explains the provision of trade in Iranian oil by a fleet of tankers affiliated with a bank controlled by Mikhail Fradkov.
The vessel is also affiliated with the russian company PSB Leasing LLC (TIN 7722581759), a subsidiary of Promsvyazbank PJSC Promsvyazbank (TIN 7744000912), which is a systemically important state-owned banking institution of the russian federation that finances the russian defense industry, services significant volumes of state defense contracts of the russian Ministry of Defense, and provides banking services, including mortgage loans, to the russian military.
As part of the sanctions against PJSC Promsvyazbank, in February 2022, the US imposed sanctions on five vessels (including IMO 9256860), which at that time were owned by PSB Leasing LLC, a subsidiary of PJSC Promsvyazbank.
On January 15, 2026, the US authorities officially confirmed the seizure of a tanker in the Caribbean Sea as part of Operation Southern Spear. The operation was carried out by marines and sailors from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford. The vessel is accused of violating the naval blockade and sanctions imposed by the US against Venezuela, as well as transporting Venezuelan oil. The ship last transmitted its coordinates on January 3, 2026, while anchored near Aruba. At the time of the seizure, the tanker was flying under the flag of Guyana (the previous flag of Iran), but the ship had been registered under the flag of the russian federation since January 1, 2026. Since December 25, 2025, the owner and manager of the tanker has been the russian company Burevestmarin LLC, established in July 2025. The director and sole owner of the company is Ilya Bugay, an entrepreneur from the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea, Ukraine. At the end of December 2025, the company became the owner and manager of two more tankers:
— MARINERA IMO 9230880 (under US sanctions), detained on January 7, 2026, by the US Coast Guard in the North Atlantic south of Iceland. The vessel was detained after a two-week pursuit in the Atlantic after it evaded inspection in the Caribbean Sea. As of January 15, 2026, the tanker is under US control and has been delivered to Moray Firth (Scotland, UK);
— SOKOLO IMO 9153525 (under US sanctions) — a VLCC class tanker involved in the transportation of Iranian and russian oil. The vessel last transmitted its coordinates on January 1, 2026, while in the Caribbean Sea at an anchorage off the coast of Aruba.

The tanker is involved in the transportation of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports to third countries.
The vessel belongs to a group of tankers operated by the turkish company Beks Ship Management and Trading, which was sanctioned by the United Kingdom in early 2024. After the sanctions were imposed, the ships of this Turkish company changed managers and flags and continued to transport russian oil.
In June and October 2024, the EU and Switzerland respectively imposed sanctions on the vessel in relation to the transport of crude oil/petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular and high-risk shipping practices, as specified in Resolution A.1192(33) of the General Assembly of the International Maritime Organization.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the tanker.
On July 21, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since October 30, 2025, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on the tanker.
On December 31, 2025, the US imposed sanctions on a vessel for transporting Venezuelan oil and assisting the Maduro regime in evading sanctions.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.

The vessel is involved in the transportation of Iranian crude oil via STS using vessels affiliated with the sanctioned National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC), a subsidiary of the sanctioned National Iranian Oil Company, which is controlled by the Iranian Ministry of Oil. The National Iranian Tanker Company is responsible for the transportation of Iranian crude oil intended for export, and plays a significant role in oil deals that are used to generate profits for the IRGC-QF (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) and Hizballah (Hezbollah).
On October 11, 2024, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel as property in which the sanctioned company Max Maritime Solutions FZE has an interest.
Many tankers involved in transporting Iranian oil to countries such as China are also involved in Venezuelan trade, including tanker IMO 9304655. On June 11, 2022, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi signed a 20-year cooperation agreement to expand ties in the oil and petrochemical industries, as well as in the military and economic spheres. Since then, bilateral ties have begun to develop. Most cargo is transported by ships belonging to the sanctioned National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) in both directions. A significant number of ships flying under foreign (non-Iranian) flags are also involved in this trade.

During the period of the G7 embargo and price-cap policy on russian oil, the tanker is involved in the export of russian oil from the russian ports of Kozmino, Ust-Luga, Primorsk, mainly to China and India.
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.
The oil tanker is affiliated with the sanctioned company Shanghai Future Ship Management Co LTD (China), which for years has been managing illegal shipments of Iranian oil. This company managed the Panamanian-flagged MT Freya, which, together with the Iranian-flagged MT Horse, owned by the National Iranian Tanker Company (a subsidiary of the sanctioned National Iranian Oil Company), was arrested by Indonesia in January 2021 on suspicion of illegal oil transportation in the country's waters.
The tanker calls at russian ports, which are the main export ports for oil tankers of the shadow fleet – the ports of Ust-Luga, Primorsk in the Baltic Sea, and Novorossiysk in the Black Sea, delivering oil mainly to China and India.
On December 17, 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on a vessel in connection with the transportation of oil or oil products originating in russia or from russia to a third country.
On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2025, Canada 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.
In June 2025, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since October 30, 2025, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on the tanker.
The tanker is likely involved in transporting Venezuelan oil in circumvention of sanctions. In early January 2026, the tanker was among a group of tankers that hastily left Venezuelan territorial waters after the US imposed a naval blockade. As of January 5–10, 2026, the ship had entered international waters, with its AIS transponder either turned off or transmitting false signals to conceal its location from the US Navy.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.

The tanker during the period of the G7+ embargo and price-cap policy on russian crude oil / oil products is involved in the export of russian crude oil / petroleum products from russian ports in the Baltic Sea and the Pacific region mainly to China and India, and resorts to the practice of turning off the AIS signal, conducting so-called 'dark activities' at sea.
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.
The tanker calls at russian ports that are leading in the export of russian oil by the shadow fleet - ports in the Baltic Sea, the Pacific region, delivering oil to the countries that import the most russian crude oil through the shadow fleet - China, India.
russia's 'shadow fleet' continues to generate multibillion-dollar revenues for the kremlin bypassing sanctions, disguising its activities under the flags of third countries, using complex schemes to conceal owners, and poses significant environmental safety threats with significant economic costs to coastal countries and/or the international community due to the outdated and inadequate insurance of shadow fleet tankers.
On December 17, 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on a vessel in connection with the transportation of oil or oil products originating in russia or from russia to a third country.
On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since May 21 and June 3, 2025, the EU and Switzerland have imposed sanctions on tankers transporting crude oil / petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, 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.
In June 2025, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since September 12, 2025, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On January 20-21, 2026, the US Southern Command seized a tanker in the Caribbean Sea. The vessel is accused of violating sanctions and transporting Venezuelan oil in circumvention of restrictions.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of 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 from russian ports in the Baltic, Black seas, and the Pacific region, mainly to China and India.
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as part of the shadow fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world and threatening the environment.
On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel.
The tanker is also involved in the export of Iranian and Venezuelan oil.
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 October 30, 2025, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on the tanker.
In November 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In early January 2026, the tanker THALIA III (IMO 9259197), as part of a group of tankers, attempted to leave Venezuelan waters in dark mode (with AIS transponders turned off) to bypass the US blockade as part of Operation Southern Spear. After the US detained another vessel from this group (OLINA (IMO 9282479)) on January 9, 2026, the tanker THALIA III (IMO 9259197) and two other vessels (MIN HANG (IMO 9257137) and MEROPE (IMO 9281891)) returned to Venezuelan waters. All of these tankers were loaded with oil belonging to the sanctioned Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.

During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and price-cap policy on russian crude oil, the tanker is involved in the export of russian oil from russian ports in the Baltic, Black seas, and the Pacific region, mainly to China.
The international public organization Greenpeace refers to the tanker as a shadowy fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world and threatening the environment.
The vessel is also involved in the transportation of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products. Since russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, more than 100 vessels that previously helped Iran export oil are now helping russia transport russian crude oil and petroleum products.
The tanker was illegally transporting hundreds of thousands of metric tons of Iranian oil on behalf of, among others, the sanctioned National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC). The National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) is one of the largest oil and gas companies in the world and is controlled by the Ministry of Oil of Iran. NIOC and its subsidiaries explore, produce, transport, process and export oil and natural gas in Iran. The oil deals of NIOC, including its subsidiaries, provide the Iranian regime with resources to finance its nuclear program, develop advanced drones and missiles, and provide ongoing financial and material support for the terrorist activities of its regional proxies.
On December 3, 2024, the US imposed sanctions on a tanker as part of restrictions on vessels that play a significant role in transporting illegal Iranian oil to foreign markets.
Since February 25 and March 4, 2025, the EU and Switzerland, respectively, have imposed sanctions on the tanker for transporting crude oil/petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, 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.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On July 21, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since October 30, 2025, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on the tanker.
In early January 2026, the tanker MEROPE (IMO 9281891), as part of a group of tankers, attempted to leave Venezuelan waters in dark mode (with AIS transponders turned off) to bypass the US blockade as part of Operation Southern Spear. After the US detained another vessel from this group (OLINA (IMO 9282479)) on January 9, 2026, the tanker MEROPE (IMO 9281891) and two other vessels (THALIA III (IMO 9259197) and MIN HANG (IMO 9257137)) returned to Venezuelan waters. All of these tankers were loaded with oil belonging to the sanctioned Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.

The tanker is considered to be a part of the so-called shadow fleet used to transport crude oil from russia, Venezuela, and Iran.
Since September 2022, the tanker has been involved in the export of russian crude oil and petroleum products mainly to China from the russian ports of Kozmino in the Pacific region and Primorsk in the Baltic Sea.
The international non-governmental organization Greenpeace classifies the tanker as part of the shadow fleet of tankers that transport russian oil around the world and threaten the environment.
The vessel is affiliated with Shanghai Legendary Ship MGMT (China), the fleet of which is involved in the export of sanctioned Iranian oil.
On December 3, 2024, the US imposed sanctions on the tanker.
Since May 21 and June 3, 2025, the EU and Switzerland, respectively, have imposed sanctions on the tanker for transporting crude oil/petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, 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.
In August 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the tanker's master.
In November 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In early January 2026, a tanker ІМО 9233349 using the name Priya was spotted in the Caribbean Sea attempting to break through the US-imposed naval blockade of Venezuela. As of January 5, 2026, the tanker was located approximately 40 km east of Grenada. The ship was moving quickly, trying to avoid interception by US forces, and frequently turned off its AIS transponders to conceal its route.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has 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 was involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports in the Black and Baltic seas to third countries. In particular, in January 2024, the vessel transported russian crude oil/petroleum products from the port of Taman (russia) to the Lakonikos Gulf (Greece).
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/oil products under Western sanctions, and the Gatik-related company Gaurik Ship Management, which in 2023, together with Caishan Ship Management, Galena Ship Management, Plutos Ship Management, Geras Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Orion Ship Management, Nautilus Shipping, Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment, Zidan Ship Management, was involved in a scheme of "juggling" vessels managed by Gatik Ship Management to avoid sanctions.
Gatik Ship Management and Gaurik Ship Management were the previous managers of the tanker.
On November 25, 2024, 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 December 16, 2024, EU imposed sanctions on the tanker (effective from December 17, 2024) due to the transportation of crude oil or petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular high-risk shipping practices as set out in the International Maritime Organization General Assembly Resolution A.1192(33).
On December 23, 2024, Switzerland imposed sanctions on the vessel in connection with the transportation of crude oil or petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular and risky shipping practices, as set out in the resolution of the General Assembly of the International Maritime Organization A.1192(33).
On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
As of the beginning of July 2025, the tanker is involved in commodities transportation near the ports of Venezuela.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil and petroleum products mainly to India and China from russian ports on the Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Pacific Ocean.
The international non-governmental organization Greenpeace refers to the tanker as a shadow fleet of tankers that transport russian oil around the world and threaten the environment.
The vessel is also involved in the transportation of Venezuelan crude oil/petroleum products via STS transfer of wet cargo to VLCC-class tanker IMO 9326055.
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 Galena Ship Management, which is affiliated with Gatik, which in 2023, together with Gaurik Ship Management LLP, Caishan Ship Management, Plutos Ship Management, Geras Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Orion Ship Management LLP, 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. Gatik Ship Management and Galena Ship Management were the previous managers of the tanker. Tankers operated/managed by India's Gatik Ship Management continue to be used by related companies and call at russian ports.
As sanctions are being imposed, russia uses a scheme of "juggling" ships between related companies to conceal oil exports outside the price cap and other restrictions, as well as to hide the real owners of ships, and to ensure unimpeded transportation of fossil fuels by a 'shadow' fleet of obsolete oil tankers, creates new companies for these purposes (in the UAE, Hong Kong, India, Turkey, Mauritius, Seychelles, and other jurisdictions) with non-transparent organizational and ownership structures. In order to implement this scheme, technical/commercial management and ship owners are constantly changing, and vessels are renamed with a change of flag, MMSI, call-sign, including for sanctioned vessels. Shadow fleet vessels operate under "convenient flags", which allows them to conceal their true origin and avoid control by international organizations and insurance companies.
On December 17, 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on a vessel in connection with the transportation of oil or oil products originating in russia or from russia to a third country.
On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since February 25, March 04, 2025 EU and Switzerland have respectively imposed sanctions on the tanker for transporting crude oil/oil products originating in or exported from russia using irregular and high-risk shipping practices as specified in the International Maritime Organization General Assembly resolution A.1192 (33); promoting or supporting actions/policies aimed at the exploitation, development or expansion of the energy sector in russia, including energy infrastructure.
In June 2025, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On June 19, 2025, New Zealand imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine 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/petroleum products, is involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports in the Baltic Sea and the Pacific region, and uses high-risk, deceptive practices (disabling AIS, STS transmissions).
In particular, in November 2024, near Malaysia, a tanker, having left the port of Kozmino on September 25, 2024, made an STS transmission with the tanker IMO 9313149 of the VLCC type, which was sanctioned by USA on January 10, 2025. Transshipment of crude oil/petroleum products of russian origin by STS method allows to conceal the ownership and origin of the cargo, legalize their supply to EU countries, 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 to provide material support for russia's military operations on the territory of Ukraine.
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.
The vessel is also involved in the transportation of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products.
Many tankers involved in transporting Iranian oil to countries such as China are also involved in Venezuelan trade, including tanker IMO 9264570. On June 11, 2022, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi signed a 20-year cooperation agreement to expand ties in the oil and petrochemical industries, as well as in the military and economic spheres. Since then, bilateral ties have begun to develop. Most cargo is transported by ships belonging to the sanctioned National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) in both directions. A significant number of ships flying under foreign (non-Iranian) flags are also involved in this trade.
On May 09, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker as part of the restrictions on the russian shadow fleet.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On July 3, 2025, the US imposed sanctions on a tanker for transporting Iranian crude oil/petroleum products.
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.
Since September 18, 2025, Australia has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In early January 2026, the tanker NAYARA (IMO 9264570), as part of a group of tankers, attempted to leave Venezuelan waters in dark mode (with AIS transponders turned off) to bypass the US blockade as part of Operation Southern Spear. After the US detained another vessel from this group (OLINA (IMO 9282479)) on January 9, 2026, the tanker NAYARA (IMO 9264570) returned to Venezuelan waters.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.