Marine Vessels

It is involved on August 25, 2024, in the STS transfer with AIS deactivation of fossil fuels produced at the sanctioned russian Arctic LNG-2 facility from the sanctioned LNG tanker IMO 9256602 to the north of the Suez Canal. Arctic LNG-2 is the second large-capacity project of the sanctioned Novatek PJSC for natural gas extraction and LNG production on the Gydan Peninsula after Yamal LNG. In November 2023 and February 2024, USA and United Kingdom respectively imposed sanctions on the russian Arctic LNG-2 project, which is of strategic importance for the government of the russian federation.
On 05 September 2024, USA imposed sanctions on the LNG tanker ІМО 9324277 as part of the expansion of restrictive measures against the russian energy sector in connection with attempts to export LNG from the sanctioned Arctic LNG-2.
On 26 September 2024, United Kingdom imposed sanctions on a vessel ІМО 9324277 involved in the russian LNG sector.
On February 21, 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since July 20, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the tanker for operating in a way as to contribute or support actions or policies for the exploitation, development or expansion of the energy sector in russia, including energy infrastructure.
According to the database of the Global Integrated Shipping Information System of the International Maritime Organization (IMO's GISIS), as of July 22, 2025, the vessel's registered name is NOVA ENERGY, flag is unknown. At the same time, the vessel sails under the flag of Curacao.
On August 12, 2025, Switzerland imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The ARC7 ice-class gas tanker, designed to operate in Arctic conditions, exports russian liquefied natural gas from the russian arctic project "Yamal LNG" to the Northern Sea Route.
The tanker is involved in the energy sector of the russian federation's economy, the profits from which are one of the most important sources of income for the aggressor state's budget.
On December 13, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the tanker.

The ARC7 ice-class gas carrier, designed to operate in Arctic conditions, has been granted permission by the russian state agency, the Main Directorate of the Northern Sea Route, which is part of the russian state corporation Rosatom, to sail in the waters of the Northern Sea Route (along the route "western/eastern border of the Northern Sea Route — Port Sabetta — eastern/western border of the Northern Sea Route").
The vessel ensures the export of russian liquefied natural gas from the russian Arctic project "Yamal LNG", in particular to EU countries.
The tanker is involved in the energy sector of the russian federation's economy, the profits from which are one of the most important sources of income for the aggressor state's budget.
On December 13, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the tanker.

The vessel is involved in the theft of Ukrainian grain from the TOT of Ukraine (from the ports of Sevastopol and Berdiansk) and its transportation to third countries.
On 23 April 2024, the vessel switched off its AIS off the Turkish coast, and entered the temporarily occupied Sevastopol on 25 April 2024, where it was moored at berth 20. On 29 April 2024, the vessel was moved to berth 21 for loading at the Avlita grain terminal (listed in russian registers as Aval). ‘Sofia' left the port of Sevastopol loaded with wheat on 02 May 2024, according to the documents, the grain was registered for delivery to Bangladesh, the port of destination was indicated as Caucasus in the schedule of movement through the closed port of Sevastopol, the ship's captain was Sergey Ryzhov.
The vessel also made three calls to the closed port of Sevastopol in July 2024 with the AIS switched off, loading and exporting more than 18,000 tonnes of barley from the TOT of Crimea.
On November 18, 2024, the vessel was in Sevastopol Bay, moored to the port side to the bulk carrier Neptune at berth 20 of Dokova Bay. On November 26, 2024, the vessel was moved to berth 19.
In May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December 2024, the vessel was involved in the transportation of barley and wheat from the temporarily occupied port of Berdiansk in Zaporizhzhia region, in particular to Egypt and Libya.
In January 2025, the vessel called at the port of Sevastopol three times (21 berths of the Avlita grain terminal) and departed loaded with wheat.
In February and March 2025, the vessel was involved in the transportation of grain from the temporarily occupied port of Berdiansk, Zaporizhzhia region.
On April 02-09, 2025, the vessel was in Sevastopol Bay on loading wheat at berth 21 of the Avlita grain terminal.
In the period of April 16-18, 2025, the vessel was in Sevastopol Bay on loading wheat at berth 21 of the Avlita grain terminal with AIS turned off. On April 18, the vessel left Sevastopol Bay and sailed to the port of Kavkaz loaded with wheat.
On June 08-13, 2025, the vessel was in Sevastopol Bay, Dokova Bay, to load grain. On June 13, 2025, the vessel left Sevastopol Bay loaded with wheat and sailed to the port of Kerch.
On June 16-18, 22-25, 2025, the vessel was in Sevastopol Bay for loading grain at berth 21 of the Avlita grain terminal. On June 18 and 25, 2025, respectively, the vessel left Sevastopol Bay loaded with wheat.
On November 25, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker during the period of the G7, EU oil embargo and price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products is involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products. The vessel conducts dark activities near russian ports in the Baltic Sea, in the Kerch Strait area, near the TOT of Crimea of Ukraine. The tanker calls at the ports of the TOT of Crimea of Ukraine, in particular, in June 2025 at the port of Kоmysh-Burun.
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.
The tanker is affiliated with the Turkish company Beks Tanker Isletmeciligi AS, which was the commercial and ISM manager of the vessel from April 2023 to March 2024. Beks Tanker Isletmeciligi AS is one of the top three ranking Turkish operators, which in 2023 provided transportation of hundreds of millions of barrels of russian crude oil and petroleum products. The fleet of the Turkish top three - Beks Tanker Isletmeciligi AS and the sanctioned Beks Gemi Isletmeciligi ve Tic and Active Denizcilik ve Gemi - transported a total of 49 million barrels of russian crude oil/petroleum products in 2023. Since March 2024, the tanker has been managed by the Turkish company Tokyo Gemi Isletmeciligi AS. Tokyo Gemi Isletmeciligi AS has the same legal address as two other Turkish ship managers, Sand Gemi Isletmeciligi AS and Cape Gemi Isletmeciligi AS. Eight tankers of these companies were operated by Beks Tanker Isletmeciligi AS in 2023 and early 2024, and one tanker was operated by the sanctioned Beks Gemi Isletmeciligi ve Tic.
On June 17, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker in connection with the carrying crude oil/petroleum products that originated in russia from russia to a third countries.
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 20, 2026, New Zealand imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 19, 2026, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 24, 2026, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.

During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price-cap policy on russian oil, the tanker has been involved in the export of russian oil mainly to India, making frequent calls to russian ports in the Black Sea.
The vessel was involved in the transportation of Iranian oil and has switched to transporting russian oil since June 2022. Since the beginning of russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, more than 100 vessels that previously helped Iran export crude oil assist russia to transport russian crude oil / petroleum products. Many tankers involved in transporting Iranian oil to countries such as China are also involved in Venezuelan trade, including tanker IMO 9326720. On June 11, 2022, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi signed a 20-year cooperation agreement to expand ties in the oil and petrochemical industries, as well as in the military and economic spheres. Since then, bilateral ties have begun to develop. Most cargo is transported by ships belonging to the sanctioned National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) in both directions. A significant number of ships flying under foreign (non-Iranian) flags are also involved in this trade.
The international public organization Greenpeace refers to the tanker as a shadowy fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world and threatening the environment.
On May 9, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on a tanker as part of restrictions on the russian shadow fleet.
Since May 21 and June 3, 2025, the EU and Switzerland respectively have imposed sanctions on the tanker for transporting crude oil/petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular shipping practices with a high degree of risk, as specified in Resolution A.1192(33) of the General Assembly of the International Maritime Organization.
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 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the supply of Iranian oil to China.
The Iranian Armed Forces General Staff (AFGS) and its main commercial subsidiary, Sepehr Energy Jahan Nama Pars Company (Sepehr Energy), continue to create front companies and rely on buyers and intermediaries to facilitate their authorized oil trade. AFGS and Sepehr Energy continue to rely on access to a fleet of aging shadow fleet oil tankers to supply oil to foreign buyers. As of early 2025, Sepehr Energy official Toomaj was using vessel IMO 9235244 to facilitate the supply of Iranian oil to China.
According to GISIS IMO data, as of July 14, 2025, the vessel's flag is unknown.

Since March 2023, the 2009-built tanker with a deadweight of 108.94 thousand tons has been involved in the export of russian crude oil from the russian ports of Ust-Luga and Primorsk in the Baltic Sea, mainly to India. Until 2023, the tanker was not involved in the transportation of russian oil. Since February 2024, the vessel has been certified by the Indian Register of Shipping (IACS).
Oil exports are ussia's largest source of revenue. From February 2022 to June 2024, russia earned 475 billion euros in oil export revenues (68% of all fossil fuel export revenues). In 2023, about a third of all tax revenues in russia came from the sale of oil and gas. The tax on oil production collected by the russian federation in 2023 amounted to 8.9 trillion rubles, or 31% of total federal revenues. According to CREA data for September 2024, russia's revenues from crude oil exported by sea amounted to 192 million euros per day, 86% of the total volume of russian marine crude oil was transported by 'shadow' tankers, while tankers owned or insured in countries implementing price restrictions accounted for 14% of the total value of russian oil exported in September.
Today, russia continues to make efforts to avoid/ circumvent sanctions, expand its shadow fleet with a growing number of outdated, poorly maintained vessels, use a 'ghost armada', many of which have experience in working under sanctions imposed on regimes such as Iran and Venezuela, use 'convenient' flags for vessel registration, complex ownership and management structures, and employ various tactics to conceal the origin of their cargo, including ship-to-shore transshipment (STS), disabling automatic identification systems (AIS), falsifying positions, transmitting false data, and other deceptive or even illegal methods. russia's shadow fleet, operating with minimal compliance with the rules and transporting huge volumes of crude oil through heavily trafficked routes through narrow straits close to the coastline, without proper P&I insurance, with the automatic identification system disabled, threatens an environmental disaster with significant economic costs to be borne by the affected coastal countries and/or the international community.
On February 24, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In June 2025, Australia 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.
The tanker has been flying the russian flag since August 2026.

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 oil to third countries from russian ports in the Baltic Sea, and resorts to the practice of turning off the AIS signal, conducting so-called 'dark activities' at sea.
The owner and commercial manager of the vessel is Xingfu Hai Shipping Ltd (Seychelles), whose fleet consists of only the tanker ІМО 9388754.
The former ISM-manager of the tanker is the Chinese company Jiangtai Shipmanagement Co Ltd, which manages the security of another tankerIMO 9294331, 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/oil products in 2022-2023. On February 22, 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on Fractal Marine DMCC in connection with its involvement in servicing the russian energy sector.
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 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 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.

During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price-cap policy on russian oil, the tanker is involved in the export of russian oil from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas to third countries.
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 December 17, 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on a vessel in connection with the transportation of oil or oil products originating in russia or from russia to a third country.
On February 24, March 04, 2025 EU and Switzerland respectively imposed sanctions on the tanker for transporting crude oil/oil products originating in or exported from russia using irregular and high-risk shipping practices as specified in the International Maritime Organization General Assembly resolution A.1192 (33); promoting or supporting actions/policies aimed at the exploitation, development or expansion of the energy sector in russia, including energy infrastructure (EU sanctions will enter into force on February 25, 2025).
On February 21, 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.
The tanker has been flying the russian flag since July 2026.

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, in particular, from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas, and in deceptive, high-risk practices (turning off AIS, in particular, in the Kerch Strait in the Black Sea, the russian port of Ust-Luga, near Oman).
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.
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.
On October 15, 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.

The tanker, during the period of the G7+ oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil/oil products, is involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products from russian ports in the Baltic Sea, and resorts to dark activities by disabling AIS near the port of Ust-Luga.
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.
In 2025, the vessel continues to call at russian ports, including the port of Ust-Luga.
On February 12, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on 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.