Sea vessels

The vessel is involved in a scheme to theft grain from the TOT of Ukraine and export it to third countries (in particular, Turkey) through raid transshipment in the russian port of Kavkaz. For example, in 2022, almost 21,000 tonnes of wheat were stolen using the vessel ‘Krasnodar’, owned by the Kuban Maritime Company LLC. This bulk carrier was used to load grain in the port of Kavkaz from the vessels ‘Vera’, ‘Nadezhda’ and ‘Sormovsky-48’, which transported the stolen grain from the TOT of Crimea. In addition, grain stolen from the Ukrainian port of Berdiansk by the TOT in Zaporizhzhia region was loaded onto the bulk carrier ‘Krasnodar’.

The vessel is involved in the theft of Ukrainian grain from the port of Feodosia (TOT Crimea, Ukraine) and its transfer in August 2023 to the port of Famagusta (Northern Cyprus), as well as the theft of grain in October 2023 and its transfer through the Bosphorus Strait (an established route to the Syrian port of Tartus) with the AIS signal switched off. The vessel was in the port of Feodosia from 22 July to 14 August 2023, delivering cargo from the Turkish port of Gulluk, and loading grain that was subsequently transported to the port of Famagusta. The vessel called at the port of Sevastopol (TOT Crimea, Ukraine) in May 2023.

The tanker type ‘Aframax’ is involved in the transportation and export of russian oil from russian ports during the period of the oil embargo by the G7 and the EU and the price-cap policy for russian oil. In February-March 2024, the tanker transported russian oil from the russian port of Novorossiysk in the Black sea to the port of Zhoushan (China). In May-June 2024, the tanker transported russian oil from the russian port of Ust-Luga in the Baltic Sea to the port of Sikka (India). In February 2023, the tanker was detained in Ferrol (Spain) under the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control after authorities found ‘technical and documentary deficiencies’ during an inspection in the northwestern port of Ferrol.

The vessel was involved in the transportation of fossil fuels from the Arctic LNG-2 facility in circumvention of sanctions, using a scheme of false AIS signalling in violation of international maritime law to conceal the vessel's true location. In early August 2024, satellite imagery revealed that the vessel was located at the sanctioned Arctic LNG-2 project, with its AIS signal still north of Norway. The vessel was escorted by an icebreaker as it headed towards the Gulf of Ob and the gas project. On or about 06 August 2024, the vessel returned to its doctored position to integrate its transponder signal. Arctic LNG-2 is the second large-capacity project after Yamal LNG of the sanctioned Novatek (TIN 6316031581) for natural gas extraction and LNG production on the Gydan Peninsula. 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 23 August 2024, USA imposed sanctions on seven LNG tankers of the shadow russian tanker fleet, as part of the restrictions on entities supporting the development of the Arctic LNG-2 and other future energy projects. On 26 September 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on a vessel involved in the russian LNG sector.

It is involved in the transportation of fossil fuels from the Arctic LNG-2 facility in violation of international maritime law, using so-called spoofing to conceal the vessel's true location. On 08 August 2024, the vessel began broadcasting a falsified AIS signal in the Barents Sea, which allowed it to leave the area undetected. On 10 August 2024, the vessel was detected by satellite imagery at the Arctic LNG-2 project, while its AIS signal remained off the coast of Norway. "Arctic LNG-2 is the second large-capacity LNG project, after Yamal LNG, of the sanctioned Novatek (TIN 6316031581) for natural gas production and LNG production on the Gydan Peninsula. 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 23 August 2024, USA imposed sanctions on seven LNG tankers of the shadow russian tanker fleet, as part of the restrictions on entities supporting the development of the Arctic LNG-2 and other future energy projects. On 26 September 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on a vessel involved in the russian LNG sector.

During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price-cap policy on russian crude oil, the tanker is involved in the export of russian oil to third countries from russian ports, including with the AIS signal turned off. The tanker is certified by the Indian regulator Indian Register of Shipping (IACS). The vessel through related companies, in particular sanctioned Oil Tankers SCF MGMT FZCO, Sun Ship Management, SCF Management Services LTD, is affiliated with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot, 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 sanctions restrictions on russia after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The services provided by 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 vessels are the largest oil and gas companies and traders in russia. 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 expert estimates, the tankers "transferred" 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. As sanctions are being imposed, russia uses a scheme of 'juggling' ships between related companies to conceal oil exports outside price-cap and other restrictions, as well as to hide the real owners of ships, and to ensure unimpeded transportation of fossil fuels by a 'shadow' fleet of obsolete oil tankers, creates new companies for these purposes (in the UAE, Hong Kong, India, Turkey, Mauritius, Seychelles, and other jurisdictions) with non-transparent organizational and ownership structures. In order to implement this scheme, technical/commercial management and ship owners are constantly changing, and vessels are renamed with a change of flag, MMSI, call-sign, including for sanctioned vessels. Shadow fleet vessels operate under 'convenient flags', which allows them to conceal their true origin and avoid control by international organizations and insurance companies. Almost all vessels involved in the transportation of russian oil by the 'shadow fleet' since 2022 have been certified by the Indian regulator Indian Register of Shipping (IACS). The certification of 'shadow fleet' vessels allows the shipowner/operator to insure the vessels, which, in turn, allows the vessels to enter ports and pass through various specific sea routes (straits, canals, etc.). According to CREA, from January to August 2024, the number of 'shadow' tankers crossing the Danish Straits in Europe increased by 277% compared to the same period in 2022, with 64% of the 46 million tons of russian marine oil transported through the Danish Straits being transported by 'shadow tankers'. In the same period, the number of shadow tankers in the Straits of Dover and Gibraltar increased by 355% compared to 2022, transporting 67% of the 37 million tons of oil through the straits. The Suez Canal experienced a staggering 649% increase in shadow tanker traffic, with 69% of the 52 million tons of russian crude oil passing through it being transported by these vessels. Thus, the 'shadow fleet' of the russian federation continues to provide multibillion-dollar revenues for the kremlin bypassing sanctions, disguising its activities under the flags of third countries, using complex schemes to conceal owners.

During the period of the G7 embargo and price-cap policy on russian oil, the tanker is involved in the export of russian oil from the russian ports of Ust-Luga, Primorsk in the Baltic Sea, Vysotsk, Nakhodka, mainly to China and India, and resorts to the practice of turning off the AIS signal, conducting so-called 'dark activities' at sea. The vessel is certified by Lloyd's Register (IACS). The tanker 'SAGITTA' calls at russian ports that are leading in the export of russian oil by the shadow fleet - ports in the Baltic Sea, the Pacific region, delivering oil to the countries that import the most russian crude oil through the shadow fleet - China, India. russia's 'shadow fleet' continues to generate multibillion-dollar revenues for the kremlin bypassing sanctions, disguising its activities under the flags of third countries, using complex schemes to conceal owners, and poses significant environmental safety threats with significant economic costs to coastal countries and/or the international community due to the outdated and inadequate insurance of shadow fleet tankers.

It is involved in the transportation of fossil fuels from the Arctic LNG-2 facility in violation of international maritime law, using so-called spoofing to conceal the vessel's true location. On 25 August 2024, the vessel was moored near Line 1 of the Arctic LNG-2 facility, and at 22:27 the tanker stopped transmitting the falsified AIS signal. Arctic LNG-2 is the second large-capacity LNG project after Yamal LNG of the sanctioned Novatek (TIN: 6316031581) for natural gas production and liquefied natural gas production on the Gydansky Peninsula. 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 russian government. On 23 August 2024, USA imposed sanctions on seven LNG tankers of the shadow russian tanker fleet, as part of the restrictions on entities supporting the development of the Arctic LNG-2 and other future energy projects.

The vessel is involved in the supply of military cargo to/from Iran from/to russia. The vessel is owned by the sanctioned russian maritime shipping company MG-Flot LLC (previous name Transmorflot LLC). MG-Flot LLC is linked to Astrakhan businessman Pashayev Jamaldin Emirmagomedovich, who built his business around the commercial port of Olya in the Astrakhan region. This place was proposed as a key logistic hub of the international transport corridor "North-South", the creation and construction of which was supervised and controlled by former russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov. The key purpose of the transportation corridor was to trade with sanctioned Iran, which could import and export goods via the North-South route. During the execution of these maritime transportations, the russian company Navigator LLC (TIN: 3021000208), whose founder is Jamaldin Emirmagomedovich Pashayev, acted as a ship's agent. Thus, Pashayev continues to manage the organization of maritime transportation of military cargo to/from the russian port of Olya (Astrakhan region). In May 2022, USA imposed sanctions on Transmorflot LLC and its vessels involved in the transportation of weapons for the russian federation.

The vessel is involved in the supply of military cargo to/from Iran from/to russia. The vessel is owned by the sanctioned russian shipping company MG-Flot LLC (formerly Transmorflot LLC). MG-Flot LLC is linked to Astrakhan businessman Jamaldin Emirmagomedovich Pashayev (TIN: 772784024939, sanctioned by USA since 10 September 2024), who has built his business around the Olya trade port in Astrakhan region. This particular location was proposed as a key logistics hub for the North-South international transport corridor, the creation and construction of which was overseen and controlled by former russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov. The key purpose of the transport corridor was to trade with sanctioned Iran, which could import and export goods via the North-South route. During the execution of these maritime transportations, the russian company Navigator LLC (TIN: 3021000208), founded by Jamaldin Emirmagomedovich Pashayev, acted as a ship's agent. Thus, Pashayev continues to manage the organization of maritime transportation of military cargo in the interests of the russian ministry of defense and Iran. In May 2022, USA imposed sanctions on Transmorflot LLC and the company's vessels involved in the transportation of weapons for the russian federation.

It is the only floating regasification vessel in russia that can be used for LNG transportation. The vessel was built in 2018, designed to operate in low temperatures (down to -30°C) and equipped with anti-icing equipment. The Arc4 ice class allows it to operate in average annual ice thicknesses of up to 0.9 m. The vessel is affiliated with the russian company Gazprom Fleet LLC (TIN 7740000037, sanctioned by USA and Ukraine), a 100% subsidiary of PJSC Gazprom specializing in the implementation of a unified technical policy in the development of gas and oil fields on the continental shelf of the russian federation. On October 17, 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel 'MARSHAL VASILEVSKIY'.

During the G7 and EU oil embargo and price-cap policy on russian oil, the tanker is involved in the export of russian oil to third countries from russian ports, including with the AIS system turned off. The vessel is certified by the Indian regulator Indian Register of Shipping (IACS). The tanker 'EASTERN GLORY' is affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management, one of the leading operators of the so-called 'shadow fleet', which has become the largest carrier of russian oil under sanctions since the beginning of the full-scale war against Ukraine. Tankers operated/managed by India's Gatik Ship Management continue to be used by related companies and call at russian ports. As sanctions are being imposed, russia uses a scheme of "juggling" ships between related companies to conceal oil exports outside the price cap and other restrictions, as well as to hide the real owners of ships, and to ensure unimpeded transportation of fossil fuels by a 'shadow' fleet of obsolete oil tankers, creates new companies for these purposes (in the UAE, Hong Kong, India, Turkey, Mauritius, Seychelles, and other jurisdictions) with non-transparent organizational and ownership structures. In order to implement this scheme, technical/commercial management and ship owners are constantly changing, and vessels are renamed with a change of flag, MMSI, call-sign, including for sanctioned vessels. Shadow fleet vessels operate under “convenient flags”, which allows them to conceal their true origin and avoid control by international organizations and insurance companies. Almost all vessels that are involved in the transportation of russian oil by the shadow fleet since 2022 have been certified by the Indian regulator Indian Register of Shipping (IACS). The certification of shadow fleet vessels allows the shipowner/operator to insure the vessels, which, in turn, allows the vessels to enter ports and pass through various specific sea routes (straits, canals, etc.). The 'shadow' fleet, transporting huge volumes of crude oil through heavily trafficked routes through narrow straits close to the coastline, without proper P&I insurance, with automatic identification systems disabled, threatens an environmental disaster with significant economic costs to be borne by the affected coastal countries and/or the international community. The recent incidents off Malaysia only underscore the need for swift action to curb the potentially devastating impact of the growing 'shadow fleet'. 'Shadow' tankers have already been involved in 50 incidents from the Danish Straits all the way to Malaysia since russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. According to CREA, from January to August 2024, the number of shadow tankers crossing the Danish Straits in Europe increased by 277% compared to the same period in 2022, with 64% of the 46 million tons of russian marine oil transported through the Danish Straits being transported by shadow tankers. In the same period, the number of shadow tankers in the Straits of Dover and Gibraltar increased by 355% compared to 2022, transporting 67% of the 37 million tons of oil through the straits. The Suez Canal experienced a staggering 649% increase in shadow tanker traffic, with 69% of the 52 million tons of russian crude oil passing through it being transported by these vessels. Thus, the 'shadow fleet' of the russian federation continues to provide multibillion-dollar revenues for the kremlin bypassing sanctions, disguising its activities under the flags of third countries, using complex schemes to conceal owners, and poses significant threats to environmental safety with significant economic costs for coastal countries and/or the international community due to the outdated and inadequate insurance of shadow fleet tankers.