Marine Vessels

involved in the transportation of weapons, stolen
Ukrainian products and in the circumvention of sanctions
Total number:
1468
Marine vessels
545
Masters
Updated: 23.09.2026
Maritime logistics is critically important for building up the aggressor`s military capabilities, moving troops, obtaining weapons and sanctioned goods, and trading stolen goods. Aggressors transport weapons through international straits on civilian merchant vessels. Exporting fossil fuels to circumvent sanctions is the main source of income for russia and Iran. The shadow tanker fleet and ships without ice class in the Arctic threaten an environmental disaster. Through the sale of agricultural products from the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, russia finances the war and maintains the loyalty of its allies, Iran and the DPRK.
Together we can stop this to restore peace and security
Actions to be taken
  • to sanction the vessels on the list below, as well as all related companies and individuals (owners, operators, managers, executives, senior crew members)
  • to prohibit the entry of such vessels into ports, territorial waters, EEZs and international straits, and the sale of spare parts for them
 
  • to increase and ensure compliance with environmental and safety requirements for tankers entering territorial waters, EEZs and international straits
  • to require bank statements to confirm compliance with the price-cap when receiving insurance and other services
View
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total: 1065
TAGOR
Vessel name
TAGOR
IMO
9282481
Flag (Current)
unknown
Vessel Type
Crude Oil Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price-cap policy on russian crude oil / petroleum products, the tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil / petroleum products from the russian ports of Primorsk, Ust-Luga in the Baltic Sea to third countries, and resorts to the practice of conducting dark activities in the Baltic Sea with the AIS signal turned off.
The vessel is affiliated with the sanctioned company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), one of the leading operators of the so-called shadow fleet involved in the export of russian crude oil / petroleum products in 2022-2023.
The shipping company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE) was established shortly before the G7 countries adopted a price-cap policy on russian oil after russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and played a significant role in the transportation of russian oil. Fractal Marine DMCC operated a fleet of 28 tankers as an intermediary between ship owners and charterers.
After the sanctions were imposed, Fractal Marine DMCC tried to challenge the sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom but lost in court. After that, the company "re-signed" its fleet to other companies.
The tanker is managed by The Zulu Ships Management & Operation - Sole Proprietorship LLC, which also operates other tankers affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC.
On April 11, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the captain of the vessel IMO 9282481.
The tanker, IMO 9282481, is part of a vast shipping empire controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the son of Ali Shamkhani, the chief political advisor to the Supreme Leader of Iran.
Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani uses corruption through his father's political influence at the highest levels of the Iranian regime to build and operate a huge fleet of tankers and container ships. This network 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.
The Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani network consists of a huge fleet of ships, ship management firms and front companies that launder billions of dollars in profits from global sales of Iranian and russian crude oil and petroleum products, most often to buyers in China. The network takes significant steps to disguise its operations and obfuscate its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and russia.
Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), Algae Ship Charter FZCO (UAE), The Zulu Ships Management & Operation - Sole Proprietorship LLC (UAE), with which the tanker IMO 9282481 is affiliated, are among the companies that have played a significant role in the management and operation of the Shamkhani tanker fleet.
On July 30, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the tanker IMO 9282481.
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.
In June 2026, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
View profile
AILANA
Vessel name
AILANA
IMO
9232888
Flag (Current)
Sierra Leone Sierra Leone
Vessel Type
Crude Oil Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
The tanker has been engaged in exporting russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports in the Baltic Sea and the Pacific region, primarily to China and India, conducting illicit activities at sea with disabled AIS signals, and violating the G7 and EU oil embargo on russian crude oil/petroleum products. In particular, in May 2023, the vessel exported russian oil from the russian port of Kavkaz in the Black Sea to the EU countries (to the Laconikos Gulf, Greece).
RLRISE Moldova, a community of investigative journalists, programmers and activists from the Republic of Moldova and Romania, and the international NGO Greenpeace refer to the tanker as a shadow fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world and threatening the environment.
Tankers of the shadow fleet operated by Moldovan companies were 'transferred' to the management of Azerbaijani companies, in particular Nautilus Fleet Management LLC.
Under the sanctions, russia has begun to build up its own shadow fleet of outdated tankers, which has no 'ties' with the G7 and the EU and can transport oil in violation of price caps. russia disguises its shadow activities at sea under the 'convenient' flags of third countries, operates at sea without proper insurance from the international club of insurers, uses complex schemes to conceal the owners of the shadow fleet, uses various deceptive tactics to conceal the origin of its cargo, creates threats to environmental safety with large-scale economic costs for coastal countries due to the growing threat of oil spills, does not use pilots to navigate difficult areas, etc.
russia's 'shadow fleet' continues to provide 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 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 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.
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 December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 24, 2026, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
View profile
WHITNEY STAR
Vessel name
WHITNEY STAR
IMO
9249130
Flag (Current)
Sierra Leone Sierra Leone
Vessel Type
Crude Oil Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
The tanker is involved in violation of the G7 and EU oil embargo on russian oil, export of russian oil from russian ports to the Laconikos Gulf (Greece) and third countries, and conducting dark activities at sea with the AIS system disabled, in particular, in the Laconikos Gulf (Greece) in October 2024, off the coast of Poland in August 2023, in the Baltic Sea near the russian ports of Ust-Luga and Vitstino in June 2023.
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.
The vessel, through its related companies, including sanctioned Sun Ship Management, SCF Management Services Cyprus, is affiliated with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot, the largest state-owned shipping company in russia for servicing and supporting offshore hydrocarbon production, transportation of russian oil, oil products, and liquefied natural gas. The main charterers of PJSC Sovcomflot vessels are the largest oil and gas companies and traders in russia. PJSC Sovcomflot is involved in servicing large oil and gas projects in russia: 'Sakhalin-1', 'Sakhalin-2', 'Varandey', 'Prirazlomnoye', 'Novy Port', 'Yamal LNG' and others.
Prior to russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the company's fleet consisted of about 145 vessels.
After the sanctions were imposed, in order to circumvent them, Sovcomflot transferred dozens of vessels to the ownership of companies it created, including in foreign jurisdictions, and started the practice of constantly 'juggling' (transferring) vessels to related companies. According to experts, the tankers 're-registered' by Sovcomflot to related companies are part of the so-called 'shadow tanker fleet' of the russian federation to continue selling russian oil, oil products, and liquefied gas under Western sanctions.
russia's 'shadow fleet' continues to provide 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 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 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.
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.
In August 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the tanker's master.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 24, 2026, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
View profile
SUKHONA
Vessel name
SUKHONA
IMO
9353096
Flag (Current)
russian federation russian federation
Vessel Type
Chemical/Oil Products Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price-cap policy on russian oil, the tanker was involved in the export of russian oil to third countries from russian ports.
The vessel is affiliated with Gatik Ship Management (India), which in 2022-2023 was among the top players in the shadow tanker fleet involved in the export of russian oil, as well as with the Gatik-related company Gaurik Ship Management LLP.
Under the sanctions, russia has begun to build up its own shadow fleet of outdated tankers, which has no 'ties' with the G7 and the EU and can transport oil in violation of price caps. russia disguises its shadow activities at sea under the 'convenient' flags of third countries, operates at sea without proper insurance from the international club of insurers, uses complex schemes to conceal the owners of the shadow fleet, uses various deceptive tactics to conceal the origin of its cargo, creates threats to environmental safety with large-scale economic costs for coastal countries due to the growing threat of oil spills, does not use pilots to navigate difficult areas, etc.
russia's 'shadow fleet' continues to provide 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 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 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.
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) (EU sanctions will enter into force on February 25, 2025).
On April 11, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of vessel IMO 9353096.
On June 19, 2025, New Zealand imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 24, 2026, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
The tanker has been flying the russian flag since July 2026.
View profile
PASSAT
Vessel name
PASSAT
IMO
9289752
Flag (Current)
russian federation russian federation
Vessel Type
Oil Products Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
The tanker is involved in the export of russian oil/oil products to third countries from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas, in violation of the G7 and EU oil embargo on russian oil. In particular, in September 2024, the vessel exported russian oil/oil products from the russian port of Tuapse in the Black Sea to the EU countries (to Lesvos, Greece) in violation of the embargo.
The vessel is affiliated with ARK SeaKonnect Shipmanagment LLP (Mumbai, India), a company associated with Gatik Ship Management (India), which in 2022-2023 was among the top players in the shadow tanker fleet involved in the export of russian oil.
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.
On April 11, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of vessel IMO 9289752.
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.
According to the database of the International Maritime Organization's Global Integrated Shipping Information System (IMO's GISIS), as of July 30, 2025, the vessel's registered name is SAVITRI, and the flag is listed as "Malawi False".
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 24, 2026, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
The tanker has been flying the russian flag since July 2026.
View profile
LEONA
Vessel name
LEONA
IMO
9299721
Flag (Current)
unknown
Vessel Type
Crude Oil Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
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 to third countries.
The international non-governmental organization Greenpeace refers to the tanker as a shadowy fleet of tankers that transport russian oil around the world and threaten the environment.
Under the sanctions, russia has begun to build up its own shadow fleet of outdated tankers, which has no 'ties' with the G7 and the EU and can transport oil in violation of price caps. russia disguises its shadow activities at sea under the 'convenient' flags of third countries, operates at sea without proper insurance from the international club of insurers, uses complex schemes to conceal the owners of the shadow fleet, uses various deceptive tactics to conceal the origin of its cargo, creates threats to environmental safety with large-scale economic costs for coastal countries due to the growing threat of oil spills, does not use pilots to navigate difficult areas, etc.
russia's 'shadow fleet' continues to provide 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 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 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 January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on a vessel considered to be part of the shadow fleet that called at a russian port where the oil price was constantly above the price cap.
On February 21, 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since October 24, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since October 30, 2025, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on the tanker.
Since December 13, 2025, Switzerland has 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.
On February 24, 2026, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
View profile
CYCLONE
Vessel name
CYCLONE
IMO
9314167
Flag (Current)
russian federation russian federation
Vessel Type
Oil Products Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
During the period of the oil embargo and the G7+ countries’ price cap policy on russian crude oil and petroleum products, the tanker was involved in the export of russian petroleum products from the ports of Ust-Luga and Primorsk to Turkey and India.
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 Caishan Ship Management, which is affiliated with Gatik, which in 2023, together with Gaurik Ship Management LLP, Galena 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 Caishan 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.
On November 25, 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker as part of restrictions targeting the russian shadow fleet.
On February 21, 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On April 11, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel IMO 9314167.
Since May 21, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the tanker for transporting crude oil or petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular and high-risk shipping practices, as specified in International Maritime Organization General Assembly Resolution A.1192(33).
Since 3 June 2025, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since 13 December 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 24, 2026, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Additionally, during the fuel crisis in the russian federation, the tanker is involved in the supply chain delivering gasoline from the Vadinar Refinery of Nayara Energy—in which the russian sanctioned company PJSC Oil Company "Rosneft" holds a 49.13% stake—to the aggressor state. Specifically, in early July 2026, the tanker IMO 9314167, via a ship-to-ship transfer in the Damietta area (Egypt), transferred to the tanker IMO 9577094 (sanctions imposed by the EU, Switzerland, the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Ukraine) more than 57,000 metric tons of gasoline, which on August 3, 2026, delivered the gasoline cargo to the Vitino terminal (Port of Kandalaksha). The tanker IMO 9314167, in turn, was loaded with gasoline from the Vadinar Refinery on June 20, 2026.
Following the uncovering of shady fuel import schemes from India, the tanker IMO 9314167 not only changed its name to CYCLONE and its flag to the russian federation, but also continues to deliver gasoline from Nayara Energy’s Vadinar Refinery to a transshipment area near Egypt. According to available information, in early September 2026, a second ship-to-ship transfer of cargo from the Vadinar refinery will take place in the area near Egypt between the tankers CYCLONE (formerly AGNI, IMO 9314167) and GARNET (IMO 9577094).
View profile
BRIONT
Vessel name
BRIONT
IMO
9252955
Flag (Current)
unknown
Vessel Type
Crude Oil Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
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, in particular from russian ports in the Baltic Sea, and is engaged in dark activities near the russian port of Ust-Luga in the Baltic Sea, as well as in the Kerch Strait.
In July 2024, an STS transfer took place near Italy with the tanker IMO 9384459, which was sanctioned by UK in February 2025 and arrived for transshipment from the russian port of Talagi (where the facilities of the Rosneft asset (formerly Arkhangelsknefteprodukt) are located).
The vessel is affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE, under UK sanctions), one of the leading operators of the so-called shadow fleet involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products in 2022-2023. On February 22, 2024, UK imposed sanctions on Fractal Marine DMCC in connection with its involvement in servicing the russian energy sector. Fractal Marine DMCC operated a fleet of 28 tankers as an intermediary between ship owners and charterers. After the sanctions were imposed, Fractal Marine DMCC tried to challenge the sanctions imposed by UK, but lost in court. After that, the company "re-registered" its fleet to other companies established, in particular, in the UAE.
The tanker is affiliated with Macario Shipping LLC (UAE), which fleet was involved in the sanctioned trade.
The tanker is also affiliated with Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), which was the tanker's ISM manager in 2023-2024. Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ managed 20 vessels affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC. A vessel from the Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ fleet loaded with russian oil was involved in an incident in the Baltic Sea that threatened environmental safety. In particular, on January 10, 2025, the 19-year-old tanker IMO 9308065, which was managed by Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ and loaded with russian oil (99 thousand tons) in the port of Ust-Luga, lost control in the Baltic Sea. According to the German Havariekommando, the vessel's power supply system and engine failed, the ship lost its ability to maneuver and began to drift at low speed in the open sea near the island of Rügen. This incident once again demonstrates the growing threat of oil spills by outdated shadow fleet vessels.
The tanker is commercially managed by Zulu Ships Management, which also operates other tankers affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC - IMO 9433016, IMO 9387279, IMO 9336490, IMO 9332315, IMO 9328170, IMO 9298492, IMO 9282493, IMO 9282481, IMO 9252955, which call at russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas, while tankers IMO 9332315 and IMO 9298492 call at the port of Komysh-Burun in the TOT of Crimea.
On April 11, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel IMO 9252955.
The vessel, IMO 9252955, is part of a vast shipping empire controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the son of Ali Shamkhani, the chief political advisor to the Supreme Leader of Iran.
Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani uses corruption through his father's political influence at the highest levels of the Iranian regime to build and operate a huge fleet of tankers and container ships. This network 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.
The Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani network consists of a huge fleet of ships, ship management firms and front companies that launder billions of dollars in profits from global sales of Iranian and russian crude oil and petroleum products, mostly to buyers in China. The network takes significant steps to disguise its operations and obfuscate its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and russia.
Fractal Marine DMCC, Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ, Algae Ship Charter FZCO, The Zulu Ships Management and Operation - Sole Proprietorship LLC, with which the tanker IMO 9252955 is affiliated, are among the companies that have played a significant role in the management and operation of the Shamkhani network's tanker fleet.
On July 30, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the tanker.
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.
View profile
CAUVERI
Vessel name
CAUVERI
IMO
9282508
Flag (Current)
Cameroon Cameroon
Vessel Type
Crude Oil Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
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 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.
On April 15, 2026, the United States imposed sanctions on a tanker as part of restrictions targeting the fleet of Mohammed Hossein Shamkhani’s shipping empire, which is involved in the transport of russian crude oil and petroleum products.
View profile
GUANYIN
Vessel name
GUANYIN
IMO
9299707
Flag (Current)
unknown
Vessel Type
Crude Oil Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
The tanker is affiliated with Silver Tetra Marine Co. (Marshall Islands), which was sanctioned by the United States in July 2025 for providing financial, material, or technological support, as well as goods or services, to the sanctioned Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani – the son of Ali Shamkhani, the chief political advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader.
Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani leverages his father’s political influence to corrupt senior Iranian regime officials to build and operate a vast fleet of tankers and container ships. This fleet transports oil and petroleum products from Iran and russia, as well as other cargoes, to customers around the world, generating tens of billions of dollars in profits. His shipping empire consists of a large fleet of vessels, ship management firms, and front companies 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 takes significant steps to conceal its operations and obscure its connections to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and russia.
On July 30, 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on the tanker IMO 9299707.
The vessel is also affiliated, through the sanctioned company Sun Ship Management (UAE), with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot (ПАО "Совкомфлот") – the largest state-owned shipping company in russia responsible for servicing and supporting offshore hydrocarbon production, as well as transporting russian oil, petroleum products, and liquefied gas. The primary charterers of Sovcomflot’s vessels are russia’s largest oil and gas companies and traders. Sovcomflot is involved in major russian oil and gas projects, including Sakhalin-1, Sakhalin-2, Varandey, Prirazlomnoye, Novy Port, and Yamal LNG, among others.
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.
View profile
PROGRESS
Vessel name
PROGRESS
IMO
9306627
Flag (Current)
russian federation russian federation
Vessel Type
Crude Oil Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
The tanker, during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products, has been involved since August 2023 in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas, including the use of deceptive, high-risk practices (disabling AIS, conducting dark activities, in particular, near the russian port of Ust-Luga, conducting STS transmissions with russian affiliation, in particular, with the sanctioned tanker IMO 9650016 near the russian port of Primorsk, as well as with the sanctioned tanker of the russian shadow fleet IMO 9332781 near Egypt).
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as part of a shadow fleet of tankers that transport russian oil around the world and threaten the environment.
On May 09, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker as part of the restrictions on the shadow fleet of the russian federation, including for engaging in activities aimed at destabilizing Ukraine, undermining/threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine or benefiting from or supporting the government of russia, and participating in the transportation of crude oil/petroleum products of russian origin, in particular, from russia to a third country.
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, 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.
View profile
DG HONG KONG
Vessel name
DG HONG KONG
IMO
9436018
Flag (Current)
Cameroon Cameroon
Vessel Type
Crude Oil Tanker
Category
Transportation of fossil fuels in violation of sanctions and other restrictions
icon arrow-tree Transporting russian crude oil / petroleum products
The tanker during the period of the G7 and EU 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 and Black Seas in 2023-2024, and from russian ports in the Pacific region from 2025.
On May 09, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker as part of the restrictions on the shadow fleet of the russian federation, including for engaging in activities aimed at destabilizing Ukraine, undermining/threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine or benefiting from or supporting the government of russia, and participating in the transportation of crude oil/petroleum products of russian origin, in particular, from russia to a third country.
In June 2025, Canada 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 18, 2025, Australia has 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.
View profile
To top