Marine Vessels

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.

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.
Since July 24, 2026, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

During the period of the G7+ oil embargo, the price cap policy on russian crude oil/oil products, the tanker is involved in the transportation of russian crude oil/oil products, in particular from russian ports in the Black Sea, and engages in deceptive, high-risk practices with AIS disabled, in particular in the Kerch Strait (a transshipment hub where STS operations for russian crude oil/oil products are organized).
The tanker calls at ports in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, in particular the port of Kamysh-Burun.
In March-May 2023, the tanker was involved in the export of several batches of oil products from the russian port of Tuapse, the shipper of the cargoes was Amur Trading FZCO, the sanctioned PJSC Oil Company Rosneft, and the recipient was Tejarinaft FZCO. There is a production complex in Tuapse belonging to the sanctioned Rosneft - the Tuapse Refinery with a marine terminal.
The vessel is affiliated with Maritas Fleet PVT LTD (India), which was the former ISM manager of the tanker. Maritas Fleet PVT LTD was founded in December 2022 in Mumbai. This company is associated with the ISM management of tankers affiliated with the sanctioned company Hennesea Holdings Limited (UAE), which shortly before the price cap policy came into force acquired 18 oil tankers transporting russian sanctioned crude oil/oil products and was sanctioned by USA for violation of the price cap.
The vessel is operated by Avision Shipping Services Private Limited (IMO 6454662), which was sanctioned by USA on January 10, 2025.
On January 10, 2025, USA 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.
On July 21, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 19, 2026, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.

During the G7+ oil embargo and price cap policy on russian crude oil / petroleum products, the tanker has been engaged in the transportation of crude oil / petroleum products from russian ports in the Black Sea using deceptive, high-risk practices (turning off AIS, in particular, in the Kerch Strait area).
The vessel calls at the ports of the TOT of Ukraine (Kamysh-Burun, Feodosia).
The tanker calls at the Sheskharis oil terminal (Novorossiysk), in particular in April and July 2025. The Sheskharis terminal is a transshipment complex, the end point of the main pipelines of JSC Chernomortransneft (TIN 2315072242, under US sanctions) — a subsidiary of the sanctioned russian company Transneft (TIN 7706061801).
The tanker is affiliated through the sanctioned companies SCF Management Services Cyprus (Cyprus), 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 that services and provides offshore hydrocarbon production, transportation of russian crude oil, petroleum 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.
The tanker is affiliated with sanctioned Turkish company Westanker Denizcilik Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi. The company is associated with the management of a group of ships on behalf of the shipping network of Iranian oil magnate and major arms supplier to russia Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, son of Ali Shamkhani, former Iranian defense minister and chief political adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
On April 11, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of vessel IMO 9258167.
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.
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 20, 2026, New Zealand 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 mainly from russian ports in the Black Sea (Tuapse, Novorossiysk, Taman (Zhelezny Rog)), using high-risk, deceptive practices (turning off AIS, STS transmissions near Greece). The tanker also calls at the port of Komysh-Burun in the TOT of Crimea of Ukraine.
On January 20, 2025, near Greece, where the tanker IMO 9255830 arrived from the Kerch Strait with AIS turned off, an STS transmission took place with the tanker IMO 9402732 of the VLCC class, affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management, which in 2022-2023 was one of the top players in the shadow tanker fleet involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products under Western sanctions. On February 08, 2025, an STS transfer of russian crude oil/oil products exported from the port of Tuapse in the Black Sea took place near Greece with the same tanker IMO 9402732 of the VLCC class.
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 20, 2026, New Zealand 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, 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 Black Sea, systematic deceptive, high-risk practices (disabling AIS, in particular, in the Kerch Strait area in the Black Sea).
In December 2024, the tanker entered the port of Komysh-Burun in the TOT of Crimea with AIS turned off.
In February 2025, in September-October 2024, near Greece, a tanker that arrived from the Kerch Strait, where it had been conducting so-called "dark activities" for 7 days, and the port of Tuapse, respectively, conducted STS transmissions with the tanker IMO 9402732 of the VLCC class, 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 under Western sanctions in 2022-2023. 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.
In October 2024, STS transmissions were made in the Kerch Strait area with tanker IMO 9353125, affiliated with Gatik Ship Management, and tanker IMO 9315446, which was sanctioned by USA on January 10, 2025, as a tanker considered part of the shadow fleet, calling at a russian port where oil is constantly trading above the upper price cap.
In October 2023, the tanker was involved in the export of a batch of petroleum products (over 30 thousand tons) from the russian port of Tuapse by order of Tejarinaft FZCO, the shipper of the cargo was Amur Trading FZCO. There is a production complex in Tuapse belonging to the sanctioned Rosneft - the Tuapse Refinery with a marine terminal.
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 unknown. At the same time, the vessel sails under the flag of Panama.
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.

The tanker, during the period of the G7+ oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil and petroleum products, is involved in the export of russian petroleum products—specifically from russian ports on the Black Sea—and is engaged in deceptive, high-risk practices (such as the deactivation of AIS, particularly in the area of the Kerch Strait in the Black Sea).
In 2025, the tanker made calls at the Sheshkharis oil terminal (Port of Novorossiysk), which is a transshipment complex and the terminus of the main pipelines of JSC "Chernomortransneft" (TIN 2315072242, under U.S. sanctions)—a subsidiary of the sanctioned russian PJSC "Transneft" (TIN 7706061801).
In March 2025, the tanker called at the port of Kamysh-Burun in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
In May 2024, STS transfers took place near Romania involving the tanker IMO 9220938, which was subject to U.S. sanctions in October 2024 for illegal shipments of Iranian oil, and the tanker IMO 9637973, affiliated with the russian company Volgotrans LLC, which is subject to Ukrainian sanctions.
The transshipment at sea of russian-origin crude oil and petroleum products using the STS method makes it possible to conceal ownership and the origin of the cargo, and to legalize their supply to the EU, the U.S., and other countries. In turn, the sale of oil and petroleum products on the global market allows the russian federation to accumulate significant financial resources in its state budget, which are used, among other things, to build up the military capabilities of the aggressor state and to provide material support for russia’s military operations on the territory of Ukraine.
In February 2025, the tanker exported 106.16 barrels of russian petroleum products from Novorossiysk to Egypt.
In March 2025, the vessel exported 146.7 barrels of russian petroleum products from the port of Taman to Syria (Baniyas); the seller of the cargo was Slavyansk ECO (LLC "Slavyansk ECO," TIN 2370000496).
In April 2025, the tanker exported 331,700 barrels of petroleum products from the "Sheshkharis" terminal at the port of Novorossiysk to Turkey (Marmara).
Also, in April and May 2025, the vessel exported 230,800 and 231,500 barrels of petroleum products of the Ilyskiy Refinery (TIN 2308128110), respectively, from the Sheshkharis terminal at the Port of Novorossiysk to Turkey (Marmara).
In June 2025, the tanker exported several shipments of petroleum products of the Ilyskiy Refinery from the "Sheshkharis" terminal at the Port of Novorossiysk: 164,200 barrels to Benin and 83,800 barrels to Togo (Lomé). Also in June 2025, the vessel exported petroleum products from the "Sheshkharis" terminal at the port of Novorossiysk to Ghana.
In December 2025, the tanker shipped several batches of petroleum products of the Ilyskiy Refinery (165,900, 55,300, and 82,900 barrels) from the Sheshkharis terminal at the Port of Novorossiysk for export.
The vessel is affiliated with the sanctioned company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE)—one of the leading operators in 2022–2023 of the so-called shadow fleet involved in the export of russian crude oil and petroleum products.
The shipping company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE) was established shortly before the G7 countries imposed a price cap on russian oil following russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and played a significant role in the transportation of russian oil. Fractal Marine DMCC managed a fleet of 28 tankers as an intermediary between ship owners and charterers.
After being sanctioned, Fractal Marine DMCC attempted to appeal the sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom but lost in court. Following this, the company "transferred" its fleet to other companies. Thus, the tankers previously managed by Fractal Marine DMCC were transferred to new management companies, specifically The Zulu Ships Management & Operation - Sole Proprietorship LLC (UAE).
The management of the tanker IMO 9298492 from October 2024 to July 2025 was carried out by The Zulu Ships Management & Operation - Sole Proprietorship LLC.
The vessel IMO 9298492 is part of the vast shipping empire of Iranian oil magnate and major arms supplier to the russian fderation Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani.
Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani’s network consists of a vast fleet of vessels, ship management companies, and front companies that launder billions in profits from global sales of Iranian and russian crude oil and petroleum products, most often to buyers in China. The network takes significant measures to conceal its operations and obscure its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and russia.
The companies BPT Shipping Co LLC (UAE), Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), and The Zulu Ships Management and Operation - Sole Proprietorship LLC (UAE), with which the tanker IMO 9298492 is affiliated, are among a number of companies that have played a significant role in the management and operation of the Shamkhani network’s tanker fleet.
On July 30, 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on the tanker IMO 9298492.
In April 2026, the EU imposed sanctions on the vessel.
As of April 29, 2026, Ukraine has 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.

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, and in deceptive, high-risk practices (turning off AIS, in particular, in the Kerch Strait area in the Black Sea).
The tanker called at the port of Komysh-Burun of the TOT of Ukraine in February 2015.
The tanker makes frequent calls to the port of the russian Taman terminal of the LPG, crude oil and oil products transshipment complex.
In April 2023, an STS transfer took place near Greece with the tanker IMO 9274434 (under USA and UK sanctions), 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 under Western sanctions, and the Gatik-related company Orion Ship Management LLP, which in 2023, together with Caishan Ship Management, Plutos Ship Management, Gaurik 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 operated by Gatik Ship Management to avoid sanctions.
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. After the sanctions were imposed on 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. Thus, the tankers previously managed by Fractal Marine DMCC were transferred to new management companies, in particular, Zulu Ships Management (UAE). The vessels managed by Zulu Ships Management continue to export russian crude oil/oil products from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas.
The tanker is 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 also call at the port of Kamysh-Burun in the TOT of Crimea.
The vessel, IMO 9388027, 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.
BPT Shipping Co LLC (UAE), Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), The Zulu Ships Management and Operation - Sole Proprietorship LLC (UAE), with which the tanker IMO 9388027 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 9388027.
In August 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the tanker's master.
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.

The tanker is involved in the transportation of russian crude oil/petroleum products using deceptive, high-risk practices in the Black Sea.
The vessel calls at the ports of the TOT Crimea of Ukraine, in particular in March and May 2025 (ports Crimea, Komysh-Burun).
The tanker is affiliated with the sanctioned russian company Prime Shipping LLC, which provides ISM management of the vessel.
On February 24, 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.
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.
On April, 2026, the EU imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since May 22, 2026, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.