Marine Vessels

The tanker is involved in the transportation of russian, Iranian, and Venezuelan crude oil and petroleum products. In particular, the vessel exported russian crude oil from the russian port of Ust-Luga in the Baltic Sea in September 2024 and delivered it to a transshipment area to the south of Laconikos Bay, west of the island of Kythira.
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.
Many tankers involved in transporting Iranian oil to countries such as China are also involved in Venezuelan trade, including tanker IMO 9227443. 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.
According to an internal analysis prepared by the Scottish Coast Guard's satellite services, the tanker was involved in a spill of russian crude oil approximately 100 km off the Scottish coastline. At the time, the vessel was carrying 1 million barrels of sanctioned oil from russia on its way to a refinery in India.
The vessel calls at ports in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including the port of Feodosia in November 2025.
On April 11, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel IMO 9227443.
On May 9, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker.
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 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.
Since September 18, 2025, Australia has 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/oil products is involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products, in particular, from russian ports in the Black Sea, delivers russian crude oil from russian ports in the Black Sea to the Gulf of Lakonikos (Greece) for further STS transfers with the supertanker SAATHI (IMO 9402732 of the VLCC type), 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 in 2022-2023. Also, in January 2025, an STS transmission was made in the Gulf of Lakonicos with the tanker CHEETAH-II (IMO 9222560), which left the Kerch Strait (port of Kavkaz), where it had been conducting dark activities for a long time, and called at the port of Komysh-Burun (TOT Crimea) in December 2024.
The tanker has been conducting so-called dark activities with AIS disabled in the area of the Kerch Strait, the russian ports of Tuapse and Ust-Luga.
In September 2025, the vessel transported 30,000 tons of russian petroleum products. The cargo was shipped by Rosneft.
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+ oil embargo and 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 and Black Seas, and resorts to conducting dark activities with the AIS disabled.
The tanker is linked to sanctioned companies Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), etc., which managed the vessel in 2022-2024.
Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE) is considered one of the leading operators of the shadow fleet, which in early 2023 was among the three largest carriers of Russian oil, along with Radiating World Shipping Services LLC (UAE) and Gatik Ship Management (India), and played a significant role in the export of russian oil to countries around the world during the period of sanctions restrictions. Fractal Marine DMCC managed a fleet of 28 tankers as an intermediary between shipowners and charterers.
Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE) and Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE) are part of a shipping empire controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, son of Ali Shamkhani, the chief political advisor to Iran's supreme leader. Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani uses his father's political influence to corrupt top-level officials in the Iranian regime in order to build and operate a huge fleet of tankers and container ships. This fleet 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 shipping empire consists of a vast fleet of vessels, ship management companies, and front companies that launder billions of dollars in profits from the global sale of Iranian and Russian crude oil and petroleum products, mostly to buyers in China. The shipping empire takes significant measures to conceal its operations and obscure its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and Russia.
Fractal Marine DMCC has played an important role in the management and operation of the tanker and container ship fleet of Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani's shipping network. Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE) performs the operational functions of Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani's shipping network fleet.
On February 12, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the vessel.

During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil and petroleum products, the tanker has been involved in the export of russian crude oil and petroleum products, including through deceptive and high-risk practices such as disabling its AIS and conducting ship-to-ship (STS) transfers in the Kerch Strait area.
The vessel has made port calls at the ports of the temporarily occupied territory (TOT) of Ukraine, in particular at the ports of Komysh-Burun and Kerch in August–September 2025.
The international non-governmental organization Greenpeace classifies the tanker as part of the shadow fleet transporting russian oil worldwide, posing a threat to the environment.
Since October 24, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 12, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the export of russian oil to third countries, in systematic violations of the G7+ oil embargo on russian oil in 2024, in particular in the export of russian oil from russian ports in the Black Sea to the Laconikos Gulf. The tanker calls at the ports of the TOT of Ukraine, in particular, in March 2025, the vessel called at the ports of Feodosia and Komysh-Burun of the TOT of Crimea of Ukraine.
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 February 21, 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 24, March 04, 2025 EU and Switzerland 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 (EU sanctions will enter into force on February 25, 2025).
In June 2025, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since October 30, 2025, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on the tanker.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the export of russian oil to third countries, in systematic violations of the G7+ oil embargo on russian oil in 2023-2024, in particular in the export of russian oil from russian ports in the Black Sea to the Laconikos Gulf, to the west of the island of Kithira. The vessel calls at the ports of the Crimean TOT of Ukraine.
In January and March 2023, the tanker was involved in the export of several batches of oil products from the russian port of Tuapse, the shipper of the cargo was the sanctioned PJSC Oil Company Rosneft, the recipients were the sanctioned companies Petrokim Trading Middle East and Asia DMCC (Voliton DMCC, UAE), Guron Trading Limited (Hong Kong). There is a production complex in Tuapse belonging to the sanctioned Rosneft - the Tuapse Refinery with a marine terminal.
In 2025, the vessel continues to call at russian ports with oil terminals, including Nakhodka and Slavyanka.
The vessel is affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management and the Turkish company Unic Tanker Gemi Isletmeciligi, which is affiliated with Gatik. In 2022, the Indian company Gatik Ship Management became the largest carrier of russian oil and was used to operate the russian 'shadow' fleet under sanctions.
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 February 21, 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On May 20, 2025, the EU imposed sanctions, which enter into force on May 21, 2025, on the tanker for the transportation of crude oil/petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular high-risk shipping practices as specified in the International Maritime Organization General Assembly Resolution A.1192(33).
On June 03, 2025, the sanctions imposed by Switzerland on the vessel came into force.
In June 2025, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since October 30, 2025, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on the tanker.
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 sanctioned russian crude oil/oil products from russian ports to third countries using deceptive, high-risk practices, and calls at the ports of the TOT of Ukraine.
The vessel is also involved in the transportation of Venezuelan crude oil/petroleum products in circumvention of sanctions, in particular HSFO from the port of Jose.
On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on a vessel that considered as a part of the shadow fleet.
Since September 12, 2025, the United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since October 24, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In November 2025, Canada 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 20, 2026, New Zealand imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.

During the period of the G7+ oil embargo and price-cap policy on russian crude oil/oil products, the tanker ss involved in the transportation of russian crude oil/oil products from russian ports in the Baltic, Black Seas, and Pacific regions. The vessel called at a russian port, where the price of oil was constantly trading above the price cap. 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 affiliated with Noblefu Company Limited, which was sanctioned by USA on January 10, 2025 for its activities in the energy sector of the russian economy.
On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel, which is considered to be part of the shadow fleet, as a property in which Noblefu Company Limited has an interest.
According to GISIS IMO data as of July 15, 2025, the vessel's registration name is AULIS, and the flag is designated as "Curacao False".
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 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 tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products from russian ports in the Black and Azov Seas, mainly to Turkey, using deceptive practices (disabling AIS, spoofing), including in the Kerch Strait, and calls at ports in the TOT of Crimea, in particular, the port of Feodosia.
On January 10, 2025, USA 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.
Since September 12, 2025, the United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In November 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the export of sanctioned russian crude oil/oil products from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas to third countries, and makes calls to the ports of the TOT of Ukraine.
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.
After the vessel was sanctioned, the tanker changed its name, flag country, and management.
From May 21, 2025, the EU imposed sanctions on the tanker for the transportation of crude oil/petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular high-risk shipping practices as specified in the International Maritime Organization General Assembly Resolution A.1192(33). On 18 July 2025, the EU amended the sanctions.
On June 03, 2025, the sanctions imposed by Switzerland on the vessel came into force.
As of July 12, 2025, the sanctioned tanker is drifting off Greece.
According to GISIS IMO, as of early July 2025, the vessel's flag is marked as "Guinea False".
On July 21, 2025, the United Kingdom 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 tanker is involved in the export of russian oil/oil products from russian ports in the Azov and Black Seas, mainly to Turkey and Egypt, uses deceptive practices (AIS shutdown, spoofing), including in the Kerch Strait area, calls at the port of Crimea (a port on the shore of the Kerch Strait, located near the village of Zhukovka, is part of the Kerch ferry service (the line from the port of Crimea to the port of Kavkaz), in 2014-2015 the port was dredged, which increased the capacity of the line), the port of Kerch in the TOT of Crimea.
The vessel is affiliated with the russian company Middle-Volga Shipping Company LLC (under Ukrainian sanctions), which is a supplier to the sanctioned Rosnefteflot JSC (at least under two contracts worth 94.4 million rubles) within the russian state procurement system. Rosnefteflot JSC is a part of the group of the sanctioned russian PJSC Rosneft Oil Company, a russian state-owned oil and gas company, one of the world's largest oil producers. The main activities of Rosnefteflot JSC are, in particular, the chartering of the tanker fleet for the benefit of Rosneft, organization of river transportation in the interests of Rosneft in the Volga-Don, Azov-Don, Volga and Volga-Baltic basins.
The owner and manager of the vessel is the Maltese company Hai Ocean Shipping Co Ltd, which is associated, in particular, with russian citizen Mikhail Slobodov as one of the two owners of the company.

The tanker is involved in the export of russian oil/oil products from russian ports in the Black and Azov Seas, mainly to Turkey and Egypt, and uses deceptive practices (disabling AIS), including in the Kerch Strait area, calls at the port n the TOT of Crimea (the port on the shores of the Kerch Strait, located near the village of Zhukivka, is part of the Kerch ferry service (the line from the port of Crimea to the port of Caucasus), in 2014-2015 the port was dredged, which increased the capacity of the line).
The vessel is owned by the russian company Middle-Volga Shipping Company LLC (under Ukrainian sanctions), which is a supplier to the sanctioned Rosnefteflot JSC (under at least two contracts worth 94.4 million rubles) within the russian state procurement system. Rosnefteflot JSC is a part of the group of the sanctioned russian PJSC Rosneft Oil Company, a russian state-owned oil and gas company, one of the world's largest oil producers. The main activities of Rosnefteflot JSC are, in particular, chartering of the tanker fleet for the benefit of Rosneft, organization of river transportation in the interests of Rosneft in the Volga-Don, Azov-Don, Volga and Volga-Baltic basins.