Marine Vessels

The tanker, during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products, is involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports, including the use of deceptive, high-risk practices. The vessel engages in dark activities near russian ports in the Black Sea, in the Kerch Strait area. The tanker is calling at the Sheskaris terminal (Novorossiysk port), which is a transshipment complex, the end point of the main pipelines of Chernomortransneft JSC (TIN 2315072242, under USA sanctions), a subsidiary of the sanctioned russian Transneft PJSC (TIN 7706061801).
In January 2023, the tanker was involved in the export of a shipment of diesel (almost 30 thousand tons) from the russian port of Tuapse, the exporter of the cargo was the sanctioned russian Oil Company Rosneft, the recipient was Tejarinaft FZCO. There is a production complex in the port of Tuapse that belongs to the sanctioned Rosneft - the Tuapse Oil Refinery with a marine terminal.
In September 2023, after leaving the russian port of Primorsk, in the area near Greece, the tanker made an STS transfer with the tanker IMO 9289752 (under sanctions of the United Kingdom, Canada), affiliated with ARK SeaKonnect Shipmanagment (Mumbai, India), a company associated with Gatik Ship Management (India), which in 2022-2023 was one of the top players in the shadow tanker fleet involved in the export of russian oil. Also in September 2023, in the area near Greece, the tanker made an STS transfer with tankers IMO 9314882, affiliated with Orion Ship Management, IMO 9272931, affiliated with ARK SeaKonnect Shipmanagment, which, in turn, are affiliated with the company Gatik Ship Management (India). Also in November 2023, in the Laconikos Gulf, the tanker made an STS transfer with the tanker IMO 9265873, which is considered part of the shadow fleet and has been actively involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas since August 2023, including the use of deceptive, high-risk practices.
In November 2023, after leaving the russian Taman crude oil/petroleum products transshipment complex, the tanker made an STS transfer with tanker IMO 9334557, affiliated with Gatik Ship Management, in the Laconikos Gulf.
In June 2024, after leaving the russian port of Tuapse, near the port of Said, the tanker made an STS transfer with tanker IMO 9289752 (under sanctions of the United Kingdom, Canada), affiliated with ARK SeaKonnect Shipmanagment (Mumbai, India), affiliated with Gatik Ship Management (India).
In September 2024, the tanker, having departed the russian port of Tuapse, made an STS transmission with the tanker IMO 9298272 in the area near Greece.
In October 2024, in the Kerch Strait area, the tanker made an STS transfer with tanker IMO 9271951 (under sanctions of UK, EU, Switzerland, Canada), which is considered part of the russian shadow fleet and calls at the ports of the TOT Crimea of Ukraine.
On April 11, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the captain of the tanker IMO 9234501.
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).
According to the database of the International Maritime Organization's Global Integrated Shipping Information System (IMO's GISIS), as of July 21, 2025, the ship's flag is unknown. At the same time, the vessel sails under the flag of Panama.
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.

During the period when the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products were in effect, the tanker was involved in the export of russian petroleum products from russian ports on the Baltic and Black Seas and in the Arctic region to third countries.
In October 2024, the ISM management of the tanker was transferred to Tidal Tech Mariners LLC (Azerbaijan) from the Moldovan company MRK Shipmanagement SRL. The Moldovan company MRK Shipmanagement SRL, along with a number of other Moldovan companies, is involved in the creation of a part of the shadow fleet involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products. The shadow tankers managed by Moldovan companies (Adel Ship Management SRL, BPC Shipmanagement SRL, MRK Shipmanagement SRL, KSN Shipmanagement SRL, OST Shipmanagement SRL, Surt Ship Management SRL, SAL Shipmanagement SRL, FLC Shipmanagement SRL) are transferred to the management of Azerbaijani companies, in particular Dream Island Shipping LLC, Ocean Voyage LLC, Tidal Tech Mariners LLC, Seafaring Savants LLC, VVave Minder Shipmanagement, Triton Technical Services LLC, Navigenix Shipmanagement LLC, Nautilus Fleet Management LLC, Harbor Harmony Shipmanagement, and others.
On May 9, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on a tanker as part of restrictions targeting the russia's shadow fleet.
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 June 3, 2025, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In August 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master Dmitry Olegovich Batalov.
As of September 18, 2025, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
As of December 13, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the vessel.
This tanker also helped supply gasoline to the aggressor country during the fuel crisis in the russian federation. In late August 2026, the tanker IMO 9290921, under the command of master Sergei Azhurov, unloaded at the Vitino terminal (Port of Kandalaksha) nearly 37,000 metric tons of gasolinen from the Vadinar oil refinery owned by Nayara Energy, which had been obtained through ship-to-ship transfers near Damietta/Port Said (Egypt).

The vessel is owned by the russian company Middle-Volga Shipping Company LLC (ООО "Средне-Волжская судоходная компания"), which is subject to Ukrainian sanctions. Within the russian state procurement system, it has acted as a supplier to the sanctioned Rosnefteflot JSC (АО "Роснефтефлот") under at least two contracts worth RUB 94.4 million. Rosnefteflot JSC is part of the group controlled by the sanctioned russian Rosneft Oil Company PJSC (ПАО "НК "Роснефть""), a state-owned oil and gas company and one of the world’s largest oil producers. The main activities of Rosnefteflot JSC include chartering tanker fleet tonnage in favor of Rosneft and organizing river transportation for Rosneft within the Volga– Don, Azov– Don, Volga, and Volga– Baltic basins.
The owner’s fleet includes other sanctioned vessels. The tanker engaged in dark activity in the Kerch Strait area in April, May, and June 2023, as well as in November 2024. In November 2022, it conducted a ship-to-ship (STS) cargo transfer with the tanker IMO 9309576, which is under United States, European Union, and Swiss sanctions and is affiliated with the sanctioned russian Sovcomflot PJSC (ПАО "Совкомфлот"). Sovcomflot is the largest state-owned shipping company in russia, servicing and supporting offshore hydrocarbon production and the transportation of russian oil, oil products, and liquefied natural gas, with its primary charterers being the largest russian oil and gas companies and traders.

The tanker has been implicated in the export of russian crude oil and petroleum products from russian ports.
Since June 2024, the vessel has been owned and managed by Trinity Shipping LLC (ООО "Тринити Шиппинг", TIN 7813270750), whose primary business activity is maritime freight transport. As of 14 June 2025, the company’s fleet comprises seven additional russian-flagged oil tankers (IMO 9038969, IMO 9166314, IMO 9282986 – under sanctions since May 2025, IMO 9288930 – under sanctions since May 2025, IMO 9585912, IMO 9585924, IMO 9676230). According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), tanker IMO 9676230 was involved in oil supplies to Syria in 2016–2018 and is affiliated with the designated russian company Transpetrochart LLC (ООО "Транспетрочарт", TIN 7825484443).
Transpetrochart LLC is affiliated with the designated russian company Sovfracht JSC (АО "Совфрахт"), one of the largest independent transport and forwarding companies in the russian federation and a key node in the military transport network of russian cargo vessels delivering North Korean weapons to russian military facilities for use in the war against Ukraine. Transpetrochart LLC has also been linked to the supply of jet fuel and oil products from the Feodosia oil depot (TOT of Crimea, Ukraine) to the Syrian port of Tartus in support of the russian military contingent in Syria, including the "Syrian Squadron" of the russian navy.
On 20 May 2025, the European Union imposed sanctions on the tanker, effective 21 May 2025, for transporting crude oil and/or petroleum products originating in, or exported from, the russian federation, while employing irregular and high-risk shipping practices as defined in International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly Resolution A.1192(33).
On 3 June 2025, sanctions imposed by Switzerland on the vessel entered into force.
On 21 July 2025, the United Kingdom 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.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products, the tanker has been involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products since December 2022 from russian ports, calls at the russian ports of Primorsk, Novorossiysk, St. Petersburg, Tuapse, and actively engages in shadow activities, in particular near russian ports in the Black Sea, near the southern coast of the TOT of Crimea, in the Kerch Strait area in the Sea of Azov.
The tanker was involved in multiple STS transmissions in the area of Greece and Cyprus with the tanker IMO 924744 without proper Western insurance, in particular in March 2025 (the tanker arrived in the area of Cyprus from the area of the russian port of Tuapse, where it had been conducting dark activities for a long time), in January 2025 (the tanker IMO 9208124 arrived in the area of Greece from the area near the russian port of Tuapse, where it had been conducting dark activities for a long time), etc.
In March 2025, an STS transfer took place near the port of Said (Egypt) with the tanker IMO 9105114, which until September 2022 operated under the russian flag, owned and operated by the russian company Rusprimeexport LLC. At the same time, the tanker IMO 9105114 has been systematically and actively engaged in long-lasting dark activities, in particular in the area of Libya, and was tracked by the International NGO Greenpeace in the port of Benghazi (Libya) when the ship's AIS signal was not tracked. Recently, there has been an increase in the flow of commodities to Libya, including those of russian origin, which are transported, among other things, via STS transmissions, probably for further redirection to other destinations.
The tanker is affiliated with Peninsula Energy FZE (UAE), incorporated in January 2015, which manages the tanker. According to available information, the activities of Peninsula Energy FZE are actually managed from St. Petersburg (Russia), including the recruitment of personnel. Peninsula Energy FZE also cooperates with the sanctioned company PJSC Gazprom Neft in terms of purchasing oil products.
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.
On July 21, 2025, the United Kingdom 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.

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 russian ports, including through STS transfers with vessels with russian affiliation, in particular in the Arctic region, near Indian ports, using deceptive, high-risk practices (conducting dark activities near the russian ports of Novorossiysk, Gelendzhik in the Black Sea, in the Kola Bay area).
In August 2023, an STS transfer took place in the Kola Bay (russia) with the tanker IMO 9372547 (under USA sanctions), intended to transport crude oil from the Varandey terminal in the Pechora Sea to the port of Murmansk, which also calls at the Prirazlomnoye platform in the Pechora Sea (the exploration of the Prirazlomnoye Arctic offshore oil field is carried out by the sanctioned Gazprom Neft Shelf LLC (a 100% subsidiary of the sanctioned Gazprom Neft PJSC).
In December 2023, an STS transfer took place near the Indian port of Mumbai with the tanker IMO 9339337 (under USA, Canada, UK, EU, Switzerland sanctions) involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products, which arrived in the area of the Indian port of Mumbai from the russian port of Primorsk to make the STS transfer.
Both tankers IMO 9372547 and IMO 9339337, with which tanker IMO 9259745 carried out STS transfers with russian affiliation, are associated 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, and liquefied natural gas, whose main charterers are the largest oil and gas companies and traders in russia. The tanker IMO 9339337 arrived in the area of the Indian port of Mumbai from the russian port of Primorsk to carry out the STS transfer.
The tanker is affiliated with Star Ocean Shipmanage Ltd ( China, Marshall Islands), which manages the vessel and was sanctioned by USA on September 25, 2024 for material assistance, sponsorship or provision of financial, material or technological support, goods or services to or in support of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps - Quds Force.
On September 25, 2024, USA imposed sanctions on the tanker as a property in which the sanctioned company Star Ocean Shipmanage Ltd has an interest.
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.
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 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.
On February 19, 2026, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.

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 Sea and the Pacific region using deceptive practices.
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 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.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 19, 2026, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.

Since December 2022, the tanker has been actively involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from the russian ports of Primorsk, Ust-Luga, Novorossiysk, using deceptive practices, including conducting shady activities near russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas.
In January-February 2025, the tanker transported 100,000 metric tons of crude oil originating from the sanctioned russian oil company Lukoil from the port of Primorsk to Turkey. The transportation was carried out under the command of Master Alexander Kolesnikov.
The tanker was included by USA sanctions authority in the list of vessels that pumped oil under the STS scheme intended for Syria in 2016-2019.
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.
In August 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the tanker's master.
Since September 18, 2025, Australia has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In accordance with EU Council Regulation 2026/506 of April 23, 2026, the EU de-listed the tanker.
Since May 22, 2026, Switzerland has de-listed the vessel.

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 to third countries, and engages in dark activities in the area of the russian port of Ust-Luga.
On April 11, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the tanker IMO 9297369.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

Since July 2024, the tanker, which does not have proper insurance from the International P&I Club, has been focused on transshipment in the area of Greece and Cyprus by making STS transfers of russian wet cargo mainly from the russian ports of Tuapse and Novorossiysk, as well as from the Taman crude oil/petroleum products transshipment complex, Primorsk and Ust-Luga. Such deliveries from russian ports for further transshipment in European waters are carried out by a number of tankers, in particular, affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management, one of the largest operators of the russian shadow fleet, which in 2022-2023 played a key role in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products under Western sanctions.
Transshipment of crude oil/petroleum products of russian origin at sea using the STS method allows to conceal ownership and origin of the cargo, and legalize their supply to the EU, 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.
The first STS transmission since July 2024 in the Gulf of Laconikos took place on July 23, 2024 with the tanker IMO 9412177, which arrived in the area near Greece from the russian port of Primorsk.
Subsequent STS transmissions with russian affiliation took place in the area near Greece:
July 31, 2024 with tanker IMO 9340116, which arrived from the russian port of Tuapse;
August 02, 2024 with tanker IMO 9374416, which arrived from the russian port of Tuapse;
onAugust 09, 2024 with the tanker IMO 9315757, which arrived from the Taman crude oil/petroleum products transshipment complex;
on August 12, 2024 with the tanker IMO 9263203, which arrived from the port of Tuapse;
on August 14, 2024 with the tanker IMO 9228784, which arrived from the port of Tuapse;
On August 17, 2024, with the tanker IMO 9260067 (under USA sanctions since October 17, 2024), which arrived from the ports of Gelendzhik and Tuapse;
on August 19, 2024, with the tanker IMO 9278698, which arrived from the port of Tuapse;
OnAugust 28, 2024, with the tanker IMO 9263186, which arrived from the ports of Gelendzhik and Novorossiysk;
on August 29, 2024, with the tanker IMO 9318034 (affiliated with the shadow operator Gatik Ship Management), which arrived from the port of Tuapse;
on September 15, 2024, with the tanker IMO 9251456, which arrived from the port of Tuapse;
on October 17, November 15, December 08, 2024, January 06, 2025 with the tanker IMO 9234501, which arrived from the Taman crude oil/petroleum products transshipment complex and the port of Novorossiysk;
On November 03 and 29, 2024, with tanker IMO 9327372 (under sanctions of the EU, Switzerland, the United Kingdom), which is affiliated with the shadow operator Gatik Ship Management and arrived from the ports of Tuapse and Gelendzhik;
on November 13 and 26, 2024, with the tanker IMO 9353096 (under sanctions of the United Kingdom, Canada, the EU, Switzerland), which arrived from the port of Tuapse;
on December 05, 2024 with the tanker IMO 9266475 (under sanctions of the United Kingdom, EU, Switzerland), which arrived from the Taman crude oil/petroleum products transshipment complex;
on December 17, 2024 with the tanker IMO 9299862 (affiliated with the shadow operator Gatik Ship Management), which arrived from the port of Tuapse;
in December 2024, January 2025 with the tanker IMO 9272931 (affiliated with the Indian company Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment, which was one of the ten companies that participated in the juggling of vessels from the Gatik Ship Management fleet).
At the same time, there were STS transfers in the area of Greece with other tankers affiliated with Gatik Ship Management, namely IMO 9299123 (in September, October, November 2024); IMO 9352195 (in September and December 2024); repeated transfers with IMO 9253234.
After STS transfers with IMO tanker 9247443, which acts as an STS hub for transshipment of russian crude oil/petroleum products, some of these tankers head to Libyan ports, in particular, Benghazi, which has no refineries and no direct connection to Libyan oil wells. According to the international NGO Greenpeace, some of the fuel imported by Libya, which is subject to the subsidy program, is loaded into large tanker trucks that transport it to small old tankers waiting in the old port. The vessels then leave the port with fake certificates and disabled AIS transmitters to smuggle the fuel at market price. This is the way to illegally trade in russian crude oil/oil products.
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.
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 and EU oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products, is involved in the supply chain of russian crude oil/petroleum products mainly from russian ports in the Black Sea to third countries, including through STS transfers with russian affiliations. Transshipment of crude oil/petroleum products of russian origin by STS method allows to conceal ownership and origin of the cargo, and legalize their supply to EU, 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.
The vessel has been engaged in dark activities near the russian port of Tuapse, Lebanon, Sudan and South Sudan, and Saudi Arabia.
On January 28, 2025, in the area near Greece, the tanker IMO 9253234 carried out an STS transfer with the tanker IMO 9314894, which arrived for transshipment in the area near Greece from the russian port of Novorossiysk, in particular the Sheskaris terminal, which is a transshipment complex, the final point of the main pipelines of Chernomortransneft JSC (TIN: 2315072242, under USA sanctions), a subsidiary of the sanctioned russian Transneft PJSC (TIN: 7706061801). At the same time, the tanker IMO 9314894 is affiliated with the Indian companies Orion Ship Management, Geras Ship Management, which in 2023, together with Caishan Ship Management, Plutos Ship Management, Gaurik Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Galena Ship Management, Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment, Zidan Ship Management, were involved in a scheme of "juggling" vessels operated by Gatik Ship Management, one of the leading operators of the shadow fleet involved in the transportation of russian crude oil/petroleum products under Western sanctions.
On January 09, 2025, in the area near Greece, tanker IMO 9253234 carried out an STS transfer with tanker IMO 9247443, after which tanker IMO 9253234 called at the port of Said (Egypt). On February 05, 2025, in the area near Greece, tanker IMO 9253234 carried out an STS transfer with tanker IMO 9247443, after which on February 13, 2025, tanker IMO 9253234 called at the port of Benghazi (Libya). On February 21, 2025, after leaving the port of Benghazi (Libya), near Cyprus, tanker IMO 9253234 carried out an STS transfer with the same tanker IMO 9247443, after which tanker IMO 9253234 called at the port of Alexandria (Egypt). Since July 2024, tanker IMO 9247443 without proper insurance of the International P&I Club has been operating in the area of Greece, Cyprus as a floating STS transshipment hub of russian wet cargo delivered to the area of Greece, Cyprus for transshipment mainly from the russian ports of Tuapse, Novorossiysk, as well as from the Taman crude oil/petroleum products transshipment complex, Primorsk, Ust-Luga. Such deliveries from russian ports for further transshipment via tanker IMO 9247443 in European waters are carried out by a number of tankers, in particular, affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management.
On March 07, 2025, in the area near Cyprus, tanker IMO 9253234 carried out an STS transfer with tanker IMO 9422988, which was sanctioned by USA on March 20, 2025 as part of the shadow fleet involved in the transportation of Iranian oil to Chinese (teapot) refineries.
On March 08, 2025, near Cyprus, tanker IMO 9253234 carried out an STS transfer with tanker IMO 9299862, affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management, which arrived in the area near Cyprus from the russian Taman crude oil/petroleum products transshipment complex.
Participation in other STS transfers with russian affiliation.
The tanker IMO 9253234 is affiliated with the Indian company Plutos Ship Management, which in 2023, together with Caishan Ship Management, Orion Ship Management, Gaurik Ship Management, Geras Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Galena Ship Management, Nautilus Shipping, Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment, Zidan Ship Management, was involved in a scheme of "juggling" vessels operated by Gatik Ship Management to avoid sanctions.
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.
Since September 18, 2025, Australia has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On September 25, 2025, the tanker transported nearly 33,000 tons of russian-origin petroleum products from the port of Tuapse for export to the port of Said (Egypt). The cargo was shipped by Rosneft.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.

The tanker, during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo on russian crude oil/petroleum products, is involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports in the Black and Baltic Seas, including through STS transfers with russian affiliates.
On December 26, 2024, in russian waters in the Black Sea, after leaving the russian port of Tuapse on December 26, 2024, the tanker made an STS transmission with tanker IMO 9340128.
On January 15, 2025, after the departure from the russian port of Tuapse on January 09, 2025, the tanker IMO 9314882 made an STS transmission with the tanker IMO 9247443, which since July 2024 has been operating in the area near Greece, Cyprus as a transshipment STS hub for russian crude oil/petroleum products, which are transported by tankers mainly from the russian ports of Tuapse, Novorossiysk, Taman crude oil/petroleum products transshipment complex for further transshipment near European countries.
On February 09, 2025, an STS transmission took place near Cyprus with the tanker IMO 9424651, which arrived in the Cyprus area from the russian port of Tuapse. On January 21, 2025, near Greece, and on February 11, 2025, near Cyprus, STS transmissions were made with tanker IMO 9422988, which was subject to USA sanctions in March 2025.
The tanker is affiliated with the Indian company Orion Ship Management, which in 2023, together with Caishan Ship Management, Plutos Ship Management, Gaurik Ship Management, Geras Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Galena Ship Management, Nautilus Shipping, Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment, Zidan Ship Management, was involved in a scheme of "juggling" vessels operated by Gatik Ship Management, one of the leading operators of the shadow fleet involved in the transportation of russian crude oil/petroleum products under Western sanctions. Tankers operated/managed by the Indian Gatik Ship Management and related companies, which have been re-registered to other companies, continue to call at russian ports and participate in STS transfers with russian affiliations.
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.
The tanker has been flying the russian flag since July 2026.