Marine Vessels

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 India and other third countries from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas, and resorts to the practice of turning off the AIS signal, conducting so-called "dark activities" at sea.
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as part of a shadow fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world through the Baltic Sea, the Kadetsky Canal area in the Bay of Mecklenburg, and threatening the environment.
The vessel is also involved in the transportation of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products. Since russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, more than 100 vessels that previously helped Iran export oil are now helping russia transport russian crude oil and petroleum products. Many tankers involved in transporting Iranian oil to countries such as China are also involved in Venezuelan trade, including tanker IMO 9247792. 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.
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 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.

During the period of the G7+ oil embargo and the price cap on russian oil/oil products, the tanker is involved in the export of russian oil to third countries, in particular from russian ports in the Baltic Sea.
The vessel is certified by DNV (IACS).
The tanker is affiliated with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot (beneficial owner), the largest state-owned shipping company in russia, a key company for servicing and supporting offshore hydrocarbon production, transportation of russian oil, oil products, and liquefied natural gas amid the application of sanctions restrictions to russia after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The services provided by PJSC Sovcomflot are a significant source of income for russia, as more than 70% of russia's revenues come from energy sales, which allows it to finance its war against Ukraine. The main charterers of Sovcomflot's vessels are russia's largest oil and gas companies and traders. Sovcomflot is involved in servicing major oil and gas projects in russia: 'Sakhalin-1', ‘Sakhalin-2’, ‘Varandey’, ‘Prirazlomnoye’, ‘Novy Port’, ‘Yamal LNG’ and others. Prior to russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the company's fleet consisted of about 145 vessels. After the sanctions were imposed, Sovcomflot transferred dozens of vessels to the ownership of companies it had set up, including in foreign jurisdictions, in order to circumvent them, and began the practice of constantly ‘juggling’ (transferring) vessels to related companies. According to experts, the tankers ‘re-registered’ by Sovcomflot to related companies are part of the so-called ‘shadow tanker fleet’ of the russian federation to continue selling russian oil, oil products, and liquefied gas under western sanctions.
According to the American human rights group United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), which monitors tanker traffic related to Iran using satellite data, the vessel was involved in the transportation of Iranian oil.
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.
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 transporting Iranian crude oil, exporting russian crude oil from russian ports in the Baltic Sea and the Pacific region to third countries, and engaging in deceptive, high-risk shipping practices (AIS manipulation/spoofing).
The international non-governmental organization Greenpeace classifies the tanker as part of a shadow fleet of tankers that transport russian oil around the world via the Baltic Sea and the Kadetsky Channel area in the Bay of Mecklenburg, posing a threat to the surrounding environment.
The tanker resorted to manipulating its AIS signal while loading crude oil from Sirri Island (Iran) in August 2021, as well as falsifying its MMSI, posing as another vessel, while unloading Iranian oil in Banyas (Syria) in September 2021. In particular, during the unloading of Iranian oil in Banyas (Syria) in September 2021, according to AIS data, the vessel was anchored west of the Cypriot STS transfer zone, while simultaneously sending AIS messages from Spain.
Since russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, more than 100 vessels that previously helped Iran export oil are now helping russia transport russian crude oil and petroleum products.
Many tankers involved in transporting Iranian oil to countries such as China are also involved in Venezuelan trade, including tanker IMO 9183271. 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.
On February 12, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the export of sanctioned russian oil from russian ports in the Baltic Sea to India and other third countries, including with the AIS turned off.
Specifically, in June 2026, the tanker exported more than 770,000 barrels of Urals crude oil from the port of Primorsk; the cargo’s destination was India, and the seller of the russian liquid cargo was Redwood Global Supply FZ-LLC. Redwood Global Supply FZ-LLC is the largest exporter of russian crude oil within the shadow network of russian oil traders — the "2Rivers Group" (Coral Energy). Key roles in this network are played by several azerbaijani traders: Tahir Garayev, Etibar Eyyub, Talat Safarov, and Ahmed Kerimov.
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as part of a shadow fleet of tankers that transport russian oil around the world through the Baltic Sea, the Kadetsky Canal area in the Bay of Mecklenburg and threaten the environment.
Since June 2023, the Arfamax has been owned by an unknown company, Eastern Shipping Inc (Seychelles), whose fleet consists only of the tanker KIRA K, before that the vessel belonged to a Greek company. The vessel is certified by the China Classification Society (IACS).
According to the Lloyds List analytical center, the tanker is often used for STS transmissions.
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 July 20, 2025, the EU has 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 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+ oil embargo and the price cap on russian oil, the tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil / petroleum products from russian ports in the Baltic, Black seas, and the Pacific region, mainly to China, India, and other third countries.
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as part of the shadow fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world through the Baltic Sea, the Kadetsky Canal area in the Mecklenburg Bay, and threatening the environment.
On January 10, 2025, USA 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 / petroleum 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.
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 January 22, 2026, the French Navy, acting in accordance with Article 110 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, detained the tanker IMO 9288851 in the Alboran Sea (western Mediterranean Sea, east of the Strait of Gibraltar), which had left the russian port of Murmansk on January 5, 2026. The vessel is suspected of using a false flag to circumvent sanctions. The operation was carried out with the support of the United Kingdom — the British Royal Navy (HMS Dagger) monitored the ship's movements from Murmansk to Gibraltar. An initial inspection on board confirmed the presence of forged registration documents. The ship was removed from its route and escorted by the French navy to an anchorage area for inspection in accordance with a warrant issued by the Marseille prosecutor's office.
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 and the price-cap policy on russian oil, is involved in the export of oil to third countries from russian ports, in particular in the Baltic Sea, and resorts to the practice of turning off the AIS signal, conducting so-called "dark activities" at sea.
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as part of the shadow fleet of tankers that transports Russian oil around the world through the Baltic Sea, the Kadetsky Canal area in the Gulf of Mecklenburg and threatens the environment.
Until February 2025, the ISM-management of the vessel was carried out by Akara Navigation LLC (Azerbaijan), which managed the safety of two other shadow fleet vessels involved in the transportation of sanctioned russian oil, IMO 9233741, IMO 9262924, while the IMO 9262924 tanker was identified by the international NGO Greenpeace as part of the shadow fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world and threatening the environment.
The tanker is affiliated with Sao Viet Petrol Transportation Co Ltd (Vietnam), which was the previous owner and manager of the vessel. According to the American human rights group United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), which monitors tanker traffic related to Iran using satellite data, the Sao Viet Petrol Transportation Co Ltd tanker fleet is involved in the transportation of sanctioned Iranian oil, in particular, tankers IMO 9284582, IMO 9284594, IMO 9337133.
On April 11, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of vessel IMO 9253076.
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 December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo, the price cap on russian oil/oil products is involved in the export of russian oil/oil products from russian ports in the Baltic Sea, the Pacific region to third countries, conducting dark activities near Malaysia, Thailand, the russian ports of Ust-Luga, Vistino in the Baltic Sea with the AIS signal turned off.
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as a shadow fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world through the Baltic Sea, the Kadetsky Canal area in the Bay of Mecklenburg and threatening the environment.
The tanker is affiliated with Dream Island Shipping LLC (Azerbaijan), the fleet of which includes/included oil tankers classified by Greenpeace as part of a shadow fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world via the Baltic Sea, the Kadetsky Canal area in the Bay of Mecklenburg, and pose a threat to the environment. At the same time, two tankers from the company's fleet (IMO 9257814 and IMO 9314105) were transferred to Dream Island Shipping LLC from the Moldovan companies Ost Shipmanagement SRL and KSN Shipmanagement SRL, which, according to an investigation by RLRISE Moldova — a community of investigative journalists, programmers, and activists from the Republic of Moldova and Romania — are involved in the creation of part of the shadow fleet used to export russian oil.
In February 2025, management of the tanker was transferred to Voyage Guard Shipmanagement (Azerbaijan).
On April 11, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of vessel IMO 9183295.
On May 09, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker as part of the restrictions on the shadow fleet of the russian federation, including for engaging in activities aimed at destabilizing Ukraine, undermining/threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine or benefiting from or supporting the government of russia, and participating in the transportation of crude oil/petroleum products of russian origin, in particular, from russia to a third country.
On May 20, 2025, the EU imposed sanctions, which enter into force on May 21, 2025, on the tanker for the transportation of crude oil/petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular high-risk shipping practices as specified in the International Maritime Organization General Assembly Resolution A.1192(33).
On June 03, 2025, the sanctions imposed by Switzerland on the vessel came into force.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since September 18, 2025, Australia has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 20, 2026, New Zealand imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker has been implicated in the export of russian crude oil to third countries from ports in the Black Sea and Baltic Sea, including while operating with its Automatic Identification System (AIS) disabled. It was previously involved in the transportation of Venezuelan oil before switching to the carriage of designated russian-origin crude oil.
The international NGO Greenpeace has identified the tanker as part of the shadow fleet transporting russian oil globally via the Baltic Sea, including through the Cadet Canal area in the Bay of Mecklenburg, posing risks to the environment.
The tanker sails under the flag of Cameroon, which is included in the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (Paris MOU) blacklist of flags, compiled on the basis of vessel inspection results for technical condition.
According to the analytical centre Lloyd’s List, the tanker is an example of high-risk, dark, and deceptive practices linked to fraudulent actions by technical management companies, which resulted in the allocation of unique International Maritime Organization (IMO) numbers to them. In response, the IMO Legal Committee established an intersessional working group to define the levels of due diligence required for the use of the unique identification number scheme for company owners and IMO-registered shipowners.
On October 15, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 12, 2026, Ukraine 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 on russian oil, is involved in the transportation of russian oil from russian ports in the Black and Baltic Seas to third countries, and resorts to manipulating AIS, conducting dark activities in the Black Sea, in particular in the Kerch Strait, when AIS shows the location of the vessel at the Moscow airport.
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as part of a shadowy fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world and threatening the environment.
On 24 February 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.
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 October 30, 2025, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on the tanker.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the transportation of russian crude oil / petroleum products from russian ports in the Baltic Sea to third countries, deceptive shipping practices, in particular in conducting dark activities in the Baltic Sea near the russian port of Ust-Luga, involved in sabotage activities in the Baltic Sea, and used by russia as a spy platform to monitor NATO naval and air activities.
The tanker was involved in damaging the Estlink 2 submarine cable between Estonia and Finland on December 25, 2024.
On December 26, 2024, the tanker was detained by the Finnish authorities.
The National Bureau of Investigation of Finland conducts criminal proceedings on suspicion of committing a crime under aggravating circumstances.
According to the National Bureau of Investigation of Finland, on December 25, 2024, the tanker EAGLE S dropped anchor in the Baltic Sea and dragged it for 62 miles, causing a break in the Estlink 2 underwater cable.
After the vessel was detained, it was discovered that the tanker's anchor was missing. On January 7, 2025, the Swedish vessel HMS Belos recovered the damaged anchor of the tanker EAGLE S.
A preliminary investigation of the incident gave reason to believe that the cause was not an accident but sabotage.
The master and another crew member were banned from leaving the country. The master of the vessel is Davit Vadacthkoria (citizen of Georgia), and the crew includes citizens of India and Georgia.
On September 5, 2025, in the Helsinki District Court, the captain of the ship stated that safety checks carried out on board did not reveal anything "critical" before the ship departed from the russian port of Ust-Luga on December 25, 2024.
The defense stated that on the day the cable was cut, the ship had to stop and reduce speed at sea due to a problem with the main engine amid bad weather. The defendants in the case stated that the Finnish authorities contacted the crew of the tanker EAGLE S on the day of the incident to inquire about the ship's anchors, and the crew reported that the anchors were secure.
The interests of the owner and crew of the shadow fleet tanker in the case of damage to submarine cables in the Gulf of Finland were represented by Herman Ljungberg, a Finnish lawyer specializing in maritime and transport law. Herman Ljungberg later defended the interests of the shipowner in the case of the vessel Fitburg (IMO 9250397), which is suspected of damaging Elisa's submarine telecommunications cable connecting Finland and Estonia with its anchor in the Gulf of Finland.
On October 3, 2025, the Helsinki District Court ruled that Finland did not have jurisdiction over the Estlink 2 undersea cable break and that the case should be heard either by the flag state of the tanker EAGLE S, the Cook Islands, or by the states of which the defendants in the case are citizens.
During the criminal investigation, the Cook Islands authorities informed the National Bureau of Investigation of Finland (NBI) that the company behind the vessel is managed by a citizen of Azerbaijan (42 years old, fluent in russian, residing in the UAE).
A representative of the National Bureau of Investigation of Finland stated that at the time of its detention, the tanker EAGLE S posed an immediate threat to other critical underwater infrastructure, including the Estlink 1 power cable and the BalticConnector gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia.
Prosecutors said the owners of the Estlink 2 cable incurred a total of at least €60 million ($69.7 million) in repair costs.
According to the British publication Lloyd's List, based on a series of confidential documents about the ship obtained in June 2024, the tanker EAGLE S and the related sanctioned tanker SWIFTSEA RIDER (IMO 9318539) "were equipped with eavesdropping and reception devices for monitoring NATO naval and air vessels". The spy equipment was installed on board the EAGLE S in large portable suitcases (including laptops with russian and Turkish keyboards for making calls to Turkey and russia) and was used to monitor radio frequencies, record NATO communications, and transmit the collected data to the russian authorities. Similar systems were present on the tanker SWIFTSEA RIDER. According to a source at Lloyd's List, the equipment was stored on the bridge or on the "monkey island" (the highest point on the ship) and was operated by russian, Turkish, and Indian officers. Upon arrival in russia, the devices were unloaded for analysis. Also, according to Lloyd's List, an unauthorized person who was not a member of the ship's crew was identified on board the EAGLE S.
The EAGLE S and SWIFTSEA RIDER tankers are linked to a single shadow network created in the interests of the sanctioned russian company PJSC Lukoil, when, under sanctions on russian oil, more than 20 tankers were purchased between 2022 and 2023 and transferred under bareboat charter to Eiger Shipping by the shipping division of russian oil trader Litasco, affiliated with PJSC Lukoil. According to a Financial Times investigation, the purchased tankers were transferred to the Cook Islands flag and managed by sanctioned Dubai companies Radiating World Shipping (16 vessels) and Star Voyages Shipping Services (6 vessels).
The tanker EAGLE S is one of dozens of shadow tankers involved in russian crude oil/petroleum product trading, linked to the indian company Peninsular Maritime India PVT, affiliated with two sanctioned companies, Radiating World Shipping Services (UAE) and Star Voyages Shipping Services (UAE). Radiating World Shipping Services (UAE) and Star Voyages Shipping Services (UAE) are considered leading operators of the shadow fleet, which played a key role in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products in 2022-2023 under sanctions restrictions. After the UK imposed sanctions on Radiating World Shipping Services (UAE) and Star Voyages Shipping Services (UAE) in December 2023, the companies ceased operations and transferred their fleet to affiliated companies, including Peninsular Maritime India.
Although the shipowner and commercial manager of the tanker EAGLE S is Caravella LLC-FZ, based in the UAE, and the ISM manager of the vessel is the Indian company Peninsular Maritime India PVT, according to the website of the Indian company Uniocean Marine Services, the vessel EAGLE S belonged to its fleet. However, after Finland arrested the tanker for damaging the Estlink 2 submarine cable, information about the EAGLE S as part of the Uniocean Marine Services fleet was removed from the company's website. At the same time, the website states that the company's fleet includes a number of sanctioned tankers affiliated with sanctioned operators of the shadow fleet Radiating World Shipping Services (UAE) and Star Voyages Shipping Services (UAE).
Since May 21 and June 03, 2025, the EU and Switzerland have 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).
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On July 21, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In November 2025, the dismantling of the tanker began in the Turkish port of Aliaga.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price cap on russian oil, the tanker is involved in the export of russian oil from russian ports, in particular in the Baltic and Black Seas, mainly to India.
On September 30, 2024, the Houthis, mistaking the ship for a British vessel, attacked a tanker in the Red Sea with a UAV, which led to a fire on the ship. The outdated tanker, which was sailing from the Turkish port of Yalova to the russian port of Novorossiysk in the Black Sea, was involved in the blocking of the Bosphorus Strait due to engine failure near Cape Yenikey in late December 2024.
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.
The tanker is affiliated with the Indian company Margao Marine Solutions OPC, with which the sanctioned shadow tanker IMO 9402471 (formerly Feng Shou, Andromeda Star) is affiliated.
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.
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.