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
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Total: 1065
NOBLE
Vessel name
NOBLE
IMO
9333400
Flag (Current)
Cameroon Cameroon
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 transportation of crude oil/oil products from russian ports in the Baltic Sea to third countries during the period of the G7+ oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil/oil products.
The tanker is affiliated through the sanctioned companies Sun Ship Management (UAE), Oil Tankers SCF MGMT FZCO (UAE), Fornax Ship Management FZCO (UAE) with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot, the largest state-owned shipping company in russia for servicing and supporting offshore hydrocarbon production, transportation of russian crude oil, oil products, and liquefied gas. The major charterers of PJSC Sovcomflot's vessels are russia's largest oil and gas companies and traders. PJSC Sovcomflot is involved in servicing major oil and gas projects in russia: Sakhalin-1, Sakhalin-2, Varandey, Prirazlomnoye, Novy Port, Yamal LNG and others.
Since October 2024, the tanker has been operated by Thunder Shipmanagement LLC-FZ (UAE). As of February 14, 2025, the fleet of Thunder Shipmanagement LLC-FZ consists of 21 oil tankers affiliated with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot. The company's fleet includes sanctioned oil tankers, in particular ІМО 9309576, ІМО 9322968, ІМО 9309588, ІМО 9292060, ІМО 9292058, ІМО 9292034, ІМО 9276028, ІМО 9329655, ІМО 9577094 and others.
After the sanctions were imposed, PJSC Sovcomflot transferred dozens of vessels to the ownership of companies it created, including in foreign jurisdictions, in order to circumvent them, and started the practice of constantly 'juggling' (transferring) vessels to related companies. Tankers 're-registered' by PJSC Sovcomflot to related companies continue to transport russian crude oil/oil products under Western sanctions.
On February 24, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since February 25, March 04, 2025 EU and Switzerland respectively have 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).
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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.
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ENIGMA
Vessel name
ENIGMA
IMO
9333412
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 for the transportation of oil products during the period of the G7+ oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil/oil products is involved in the transportation of crude oil/oil products from russian ports in the Baltic Sea using deceptive, high-risk practices (disabling AIS, in particular, in the area of the port of Ust-Luga).
The tanker is affiliated through the sanctioned companies Sun Ship Management (UAE), Oil Tankers SCF MGMT FZCO (UAE), Fornax Ship Management FZCO (UAE) with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot, the largest state-owned shipping company in russia for servicing and supporting offshore hydrocarbon production, transportation of russian crude oil, oil products, and liquefied gas. The major charterers of PJSC Sovcomflot's vessels are russia's largest oil and gas companies and traders. PJSC Sovcomflot is involved in servicing major oil and gas projects in russia: Sakhalin-1, Sakhalin-2, Varandey, Prirazlomnoye, Novy Port, Yamal LNG and others.
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.
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, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In August 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the tanker's master.
Since September 18, 2025, Australia has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
The tanker has been flying the russian flag since August 2026.
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CHONGCHON
Vessel name
CHONGCHON
IMO
9294123
Flag (Current)
Equatorial Guinea Equatorial Guinea
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
The tanker is engaged in transportation of russian oil products to third countries and has repeatedly delivered shipments of russian oil products to the transshipment point in the Gulf of Lakonikos (Greece). The vessel is actively using deceptive, high-risk practices (turning off AIS near Greece, Malta, in the Kerch Strait area).
The tanker is affiliated with Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment LLC, which is linked to India's Gatik Ship Management, one of the leading operators of the so-called "shadow" fleet, which played a key role in the transportation of russian oil under Western sanctions in 2022-2023. Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment LLC along with a number of other companies, namely Caishan Ship Management, Plutos Ship Management, Orion Ship Management, Geras Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Gaurik Ship Management LLP, Galena Ship Management, Nautilus Shipping (India), Zidan Ship Management, was involved in a scheme to "juggle" vessels operated by Gatik Ship Management to avoid sanctions.
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 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of 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.
The tanker was also involved in supplying petroleum products to the russian federation during the fuel crisis. In August 2026, the tanker IMO 9294123, under the command of master Varudkar Vijay Vinayakrao (an Indian citizen, under sanctions of Ukraine), delivered more than 30,000 metric tons of gasoline from the port of Yeosu, South Korea, to the port of Vladivostok.
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URAN
Vessel name
URAN
IMO
9402732
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
In August-September 2024, the tanker carried out STS transfers of russian crude oil/petroleum products from tanker IMO 9337901, which departed from the russian port of Tuapse. The tanker IMO 9337901 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/petroleum products in 2022-2023 under Western sanctions. In November 2024, an STS transfer was carried out from the sanctioned tanker IMO 9281891, involved in the transportation of sanctioned Iranian and russian oil, which departed from the port of Taman. STS transfers of russian oil were also carried out from sanctioned tankers IMO 9315446 and IMO 9271951. At the same time, there are frequent STS transfers of russian oil from tanker IMO 9294123. In particular, such transfers in the Laconikos Gulf area took place on January 10, 2025, and in early February 2025. The tanker IMO 9294123 sailed to the Laconikos Gulf from the russian port of Novorossiysk. The tanker IMO 9294123 is affiliated with Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagement, which, together with other companies (Galena Ship Management, Gaurik Ship Management, Caishan Ship Management, Plutos Ship Management, Geras Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Orion Ship Management, Nautilus Shipping, Zidan Ship Management), was involved in a scheme to "juggle" scheme involving vessels from the Indian company Gatik. In December 2024, the tanker IMO 9402732 also carried out bunkering with the oil tanker IMO 9248801, affiliated with Gatik, in the Laconikos Gulf area.
The tanker IMO 9402732 is also affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management and Gaurik Ship Management, which is associated with Gatik.
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 affiliated companies and call at russian ports.
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.
On February 19, 2026, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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NACHOS
Vessel name
NACHOS
IMO
9330604
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 during the period of the G7+ oil embargo and 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 Black Sea, Baltic Sea, and Pacific Ocean region, delivers russian crude oil from russian ports in the Black Sea to the Gulf of Lakonikos (Greece) for further STS transfers with the supertanker IMO 9402732, 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.
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.
Since September 18, 2025, Australia 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.
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MEZEN
Vessel name
MEZEN
IMO
9353125
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
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 Black Sea, and resorts to deceptive, high-risk practices, in particular, systematic shutdowns of AIS in the Kerch Strait area in the Black Sea, STS transmissions, in particular, in the Kerch Strait area in the Black Sea in February 2025 with the tanker IMO 9185530, which has been under USA sanctions since March 26, 2024 for the transportation of Iranian commodities to China, in November, December 2024, January 2025 in the Gulf of Laconikos with the tanker IMO 9402732 of VLCC class affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management, one of the leading operators of the shadow fleet involved in the transportation of russian crude oil/oil products under Western sanctions in 2022-2023.
Since January 2023, the tanker has had three changes of management, flag country, and twice the name of the vessel.
The tanker is affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management and the Gatik-related company Gaurik Ship Management LLP, which in 2023, together with Caishan Ship Management, Plutos Ship Management, Orion Ship Management LLP, Geras Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Galena Ship Management, Nautilus Shipping (India), Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment LLC, Zidan Ship Management, was involved in a scheme to 'juggle' vessels managed by Gatik Ship Management in order to avoid sanctions. Gatik Ship Management and Gaurik Ship Management LLP were the previous managers of the vessel. Tankers operated/managed by the Indian Gatik Ship Management continue to be used by related companies and call at russian ports.
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 will 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.
According to GISIS IMO data, as of July 17, 2025, the vessel's flag is designated as "Malawi False". As of September 16, 2025, the vessel is registered under the flag of Gambia.
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.
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INA
Vessel name
INA
IMO
9308443
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 G7+ oil embargo and price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products, the tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports on the Baltic and Black Seas, engaging in high-risk practices (STS transfers) in the Gulf of Laconikos (Greece), in particular with tankers affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management. Gatik Ship Management is considered one of the leading operators of the shadow fleet involved in the transportation of russian crude oil/petroleum products in 2022-2023 under western sanctions.
In August 2023, an STS transfer took place in the Gulf of Laconikos (Greece) with the tanker IMO 9402732 of the VLCC class, affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management, which during this period also carried out STS transfers, in particular, with the tanker IMO 9332834, affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management, IMO tanker 9332834 left the russian port of Ust-Luga on July 23, 2023 and arrived in the Gulf of Laconikos on August 09, 2023 (tanker IMO 9332834 has been under UK sanctions since February 24, 2025 for engaging in activities the purpose or effect of which is to destabilize Ukraine, undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine or to benefit from or support the russian government, or to participate in the transportation of crude oil/oil products of russian origin or from russia to a third country). In September 2024, an STS transmission took place with the tanker IMO 9252333 of the VLCC class in the Gulf of Lakonikos (Greece), which, in turn, carries out STS transmissions with tankers arriving in the Gulf of Lakonikos from russian ports, in particular, Ust-Luga.
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 May 09, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker as part of the restrictions on the shadow fleet of the russian federation.
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, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since September 18, 2025, Australia has 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.
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KAVIZ
Vessel name
KAVIZ
IMO
9282041
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/oil products, is involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products, in particular, from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas, and is engaged in dark activities near the russian port of Ust-Luga in the Baltic Sea.
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as part of a shadow fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world and threatening the environment.
The tanker is affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE, under UK sanctions for its involvement in servicing the energy sector of the russian economy). Fractal Marine DMCC is considered to be one of the leading operators of the so-called shadow fleet involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products under Western sanctions in 2022-2023. The shipping company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE) was established shortly before the G7 countries introduced a price-cap policy on russian crude oil/oil products and played a significant role in the transportation of russian crude oil/oil products under sanctions.
The tanker is also affiliated with Macario Shipping LLC (UAE), which fleet participated in the sanctioned trade.
The vessel IMO 9282041 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. Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani's network consists of a vast fleet of ships, ship management companies, and front companies, some of which pose as legitimate financial services companies, laundering billions in profits from worldwide sales of Iranian and russian crude oil and other petroleum products, most often to buyers in China. Though the network has gone to great lengths to disguise its operations and obfuscate its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and Russia. Fractal Marine DMCC, with which the vessel IMO 9282041 is affiliated, is one of a number of 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 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 April, 2026, the EU imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since May 22, 2026, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On June 16, 2026, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In June 2026, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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CHARMINAR
Vessel name
CHARMINAR
IMO
9318022
Flag (Current)
Comoros Comoros
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
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 Baltic Sea.
The tanker is affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE, under United Kingdom sanctions for its involvement in servicing the energy sector of the russian economy). Fractal Marine DMCC is considered to be one of the leading operators of the so-called shadow fleet involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products under Western sanctions in 2022-2023. The shipping company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE) was established shortly before the G7 countries introduced a price-cap policy on russian crude oil/oil products and played a significant role in the transportation of russian crude oil/oil products under sanctions.
After the sanctions were imposed on Fractal Marine DMCC, the company tried to appeal the sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom, but lost in court. After that, the company 're-signed' its fleet to other companies. Thus, the tankers previously managed by Fractal Marine DMCC were transferred to new management companies, in particular, Algae Ship Charter FZCO (UAE). The vessels managed by Algae Ship Charter FZCO continue to export russian crude oil/oil products from the russian ports of Primorsk and Ust-Luga in the Baltic Sea.
The safety management of the tanker from May 2023 to February 2025 was carried out by Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), which also managed 19 other vessels affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC. In particular, on January 10, 2025, the 19-year-old tanker IMO 9308065, which was managed by Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ, loaded with russian crude 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 vessel, IMO 9318022, 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.
The companies Crios Shipping LLC, Fractal Marine DMCC, Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ, Algae Ship Charter FZCO, with which the tanker IMO 9318022 is affiliated, are among the companies that have played a significant role in the management and operation of the Shamkhani tanker fleet. At the same time, Crios Shipping LLC is involved in the supply of missiles, drone components and dual-use goods from Iran to russia in exchange for russian oil supplies.
On July 30, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the tanker IMO 9318022.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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DAPHNE V
Vessel name
DAPHNE V
IMO
9321677
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+ 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 russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas, and in high-risk, deceptive practices, in particular, in the Kerch Strait area in the Black Sea (disabling AIS, making STS transmissions).
In December 2024 and January 2025, the tanker called at the port of Komysh-Burun in the TOT of Crimea.
In January 2025, STS transmissions were made in the Kerch Strait area in the Black Sea with the sanctioned tanker IMO 9252400 (on October 17, 2024, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel for illegal supplies of Iranian oil), with the tanker IMO 9224441 (affiliated through related companies with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot, the largest state-owned shipping company in russia for servicing and supporting offshore hydrocarbon production, transportation of russian crude oil, petroleum products, liquefied natural gas), which is involved in high-risk, deceptive practices in the Kerch Strait area and in December 2024 was supposed to receive fuel oil from the Volgoneft-212 tanker that sank in the Kerch Strait due to damage caused by a storm, which led to an environmental disaster, including in the temporarily occupied Crimea, due to a fuel oil spill. STS transmissions with the tanker IMO 9224441 in the Kerch Strait area also took place in December 2024.
The tanker is linked to sanctioned companies Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), which managed the vessel in 2023-2024.
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 crude oil, together with Radiating World Shipping Services LLC (UAE) and Gatik Ship Management (India), and played a significant role in the export of the russian crude 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), Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE) are part of a shipping empire controlled by the sanctioned 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 crude 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 the PRC. 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) provides operational services for Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani's shipping network fleet.
Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ provided technical management of the vessel IMO 9308065, which was involved in an incident in the Baltic Sea due to technical malfunctions. On January 10, 2025, the vessel IMO 9308065, 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, it 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 also linked to the management in 2025 by Tarabya Logistics Ltd (UAE), which in July and August 2025 was sanctioned by the EU and Switzerland, respectively, for managing vessels that engaged in illicit and high-risk shipping practices (sailing with gaps in automatic identification systems and high-risk ship-to-ship transshipments) while transporting oil of russian origin or exported from russia.
After sanctions were imposed on Tarabya Logistics Ltd, another change in the ship's management took place.
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.
Since July 24, 2026, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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AETHER
Vessel name
AETHER
IMO
9328170
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 G7 and EU oil embargo and price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products, the tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products to third countries, in particular from russian ports on the Baltic Sea. The tanker is affiliated with the sanctioned company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), which is considered one of the leading operators of the russian shadow fleet. In early 2023, Fractal Marine DMCC was one of 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 significant role in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products to countries around the world during the period of sanctions restrictions.
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. After being sanctioned, Fractal Marine DMCC transferred its fleet to other related companies for management.
The vessel IMO 9328170 is part of a vast shipping empire controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, son of Ali Shamkhani, 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 vast 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 the PRC. The shipping empire takes significant measures to conceal its operations and obscure its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and russia.
BPT Shipping Co LLC (UAE), Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), and Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), with which the tanker IMO 9328170 is affiliated, are among a number of companies that have played a significant role in the management and operation of the Shamkhani shipping empire's tanker fleet.
On July 30, 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on the tanker IMO 9328170.
On April, 2026, the EU imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since May 22, 2026, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On June 16, 2026, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In June 2026, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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