Marine vessels

The vessel is a violator of the 'Crimean sanctions' and is involved in the interests of the russian ministry of defence in supplying oil products to the Syrian group of russian troops. It was first recorded by the BlackSeaNews Monitoring Group of the Black Sea Strategic Studies as a violator of the Crimean sanctions on 12.05.2017, when it delivered 6.5 thousand tonnes of diesel fuel from Novorossiysk to the Feodosia oil depot (at that time, the Kerch Bridge did not exist, and fuel was delivered to the temporarily occupied Crimea by sea). In total, at least 21 such flights were recorded before the Kerch Bridge was put into operation (May 2018). The vast majority of voyages to the temporarily occupied Feodosia were carried out with the AIS signal switched off, while the vessel officially reported that the port of destination was the port of Kavkaz (russia). It regularly transported petrol and diesel fuel from the Feodosia oil depot to the Syrian port of Tartus to supply the russian troops in Syria, including the "Syrian squadron" of the russian Navy. It usually switched off its AIS in the Mediterranean Sea on the approach to Cyprus, then proceeded to Tartus with the AIS signal switched off, and was repeatedly photographed from space in the port of Tartus at the russian Navy naval base. 04.08.2023 The Sig was damaged after an attack in the Black Sea south of the Kerch Strait. The involvement of the Sig, which belongs to the fleet of the sanctioned russian shipping company Transpethrochart LLC, in the supply of fuel to russian troops in Syria came after the imposition of sanctions on Sovfracht JSC, one of the largest independent freight forwarding companies in russia, which acts as a key node in the military transport network of russian cargo vessels delivering North Korean weapons to military facilities, which are then transported to weapons depots on russia's western border for use in the war against Ukraine. In September 2019, USA imposed sanctions on the "Sig" tanker for providing material support to the sanctioned Sovfracht JSC. Despite the sanctions, the vessel has been freely navigating the Bosphorus Strait.

The vessel belongs to the fleet of the russian sanctioned shipping company Transpetrochart LLC, engaged in providing material support to the sanctioned company JSC Sovfracht - one of the largest independent transport and forwarding companies in russia, which is a key node in the military transport network of russian cargo vessels delivering North Korean weapons to military facilities, which are then transported to weapons warehouses on the western border of russia for use in the war against Ukraine. Vessels of Transpetrochart LLC are involved in the supply of aviation fuel for russian troops in Syria after sanctions were imposed on JSC Sovfracht in September 2016. In September 2019, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel "Sudak".

It is affiliated with the sanctioned company Plio Energy Cargo Shipping Opc, which operates the sanctioned LNG tanker ‘New Energy’, involved in the transportation of russian fossil fuels from the sanctioned ‘Arctic LNG-2’ facility. ‘Arctic LNG-2’ is the second large-capacity project of the sanctioned Novatek PJSC for natural gas extraction and liquefied natural gas production on the Gydan Peninsula after Yamal LNG. In November 2023 and February 2024, USA and the 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, as part of the expansion of restrictive measures on the russian energy sector, USA imposed sanctions on the LNG tanker as part of the attempts to export LNG from the sanctioned Arctic LNG-2 project, in connection with the property in which Plio Energy Cargo Shipping Opc has an interest. On October 17, 2024, United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel. On February 21, 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The vessel is involved in the transportation of russian crude oil during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and price-cap policy on russian oil to third countries. The vessel, through its related companies, including Stream Ship Management FZCO, is affiliated with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot, the largest state-owned shipping company in russia for the maintenance and provision of marine hydrocarbon extraction, transportation of russian oil, petroleum products, and liquefied gas. The main charterers of Sovcomflot vessels are the largest oil and gas companies and traders of russia. Sovcomflot participates in the maintenance of large oil and gas projects in russia: Sakhalin-1, Sakhalin-2, Varandey, Pryrazlomnoye, Novyy Port, Yamal LNG, others. Before the full-scale russian invasion of Ukraine, the company's fleet consisted of about 145 vessels. After the application of sanctions, PJSC Sovcomflot transferred dozens of vessels to the ownership of companies it created, including those in foreign jurisdictions, in order to circumvent them, starting the practice of constant 'juggling' (transferring) vessels to related companies. The tankers 'transferred' by PJSC Sovcomflot to related companies are, according to experts, part of the so-called 'shadow tanker fleet' of the russian federation to continue sales of russian oil, petroleum products, and liquefied gas under Western sanctions. On 11 September 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on 10 oil tankers (including ІМО 9418494) related to the transportation of oil or oil products from russia to third countries. On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel. 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) (EU sanctions will enter into force on February 25, 2025). On February 21, 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The vessel is affiliated with the company Alya Marine Sendirian Berad, which was sanctioned by USA on October 11, 2024 for engaging in a significant number of transactions involving the purchase, acquisition, sale, transportation or marketing of crude oil/petroleum products from Iran. On October 11, 2024, USA imposed sanctions on the tanker as a property in which the sanctioned company Alya Marine Sendirian Berhad has an interest.

The tanker is affiliated with Delnaz Ship Management Sdn Bhd, which was sanctioned by USA on October 11, 2024 as part of the expansion of restrictions on Iran's oil/petrochemical sector. On October 11, 2024, USA imposed sanctions on the tanker as a property in which Delnaz Ship Management Sdn Bhd has an interest.

The tanker is involved in the export of russian oil (petroleum products) from the port of Ust-Luga (russia) in the Baltic Sea in May-June 2024, from an unspecified port in the Black Sea due to the shutdown of AIS in October 2023 to the Indian port of Sikka. The vessel, through related companies, in particular sanctioned Stream Ship Management FZCO, is affiliated with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot, the largest state-owned shipping company in russia for the maintenance and provision of marine hydrocarbon extraction, transportation of russian oil, petroleum products, and liquefied gas. The main charterers of Sovcomflot vessels are the largest oil and gas companies and traders of russia. Sovcomflot participates in the maintenance of large oil and gas projects in russia: Sakhalin-1, Sakhalin-2, Varandey, Pryrazlomnoye, Novyy Port, Yamal LNG, others. Before the full-scale russian invasion of Ukraine, the company's fleet consisted of about 145 vessels. After the application of sanctions, PJSC Sovcomflot transferred dozens of vessels to the ownership of companies it created, including those in foreign jurisdictions, in order to circumvent them, starting the practice of constant 'juggling' (transferring) vessels to related companies. The tankers 'transferred' by PJSC Sovcomflot to related companies are, according to experts, part of the so-called 'shadow tanker fleet' of the russian federation to continue sales of russian oil, petroleum products, and liquefied gas under Western sanctions. On October 17, 2024, United Kingdom imposed sanctions on tankers of the russian so-called "shadow fleet", including the tanker ІМО 9413573. On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel. On February 21, 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel. 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) (EU sanctions will enter into force on February 25, 2025).

The tanker is involved in the transportation of russian LNG to third countries, including with the AIS system disabled. On September 4, 2024, the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Main Directorate of the Northern Sea Route" issued a permit for the Ice2 ice-class vessel ІМО 9630004 to sail in the waters of the Northern Sea Route on the route "Western/Eastern border of the Northern Sea Route - Port of Sabetta - Eastern/Western border of the Northern Sea Route" based on the application of Alexandria Seaways Ltd dated September 4, 2024. The vessel through related companies is affiliated with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot, the largest state-owned shipping company in russia for servicing and supporting offshore hydrocarbon production, transportation of russian oil, oil products and liquefied natural gas. 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 imposition of sanctions, 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. The tankers 're-registered' by Sovcomflot to related companies, according to expert estimates, 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. On October 17, 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker ІМО 9630004. On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel as property in which the sanctioned russian PJSC Sovcomflot has an interest. On February 21, 2025, Canada 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 is involved in the export of oil to third countries from russian ports, and resorts to the practice of turning off the AIS signal, conducting so-called 'dark activities' at sea. The tanker 'CORUS' is certified by the Indian Register of Shipping (IACS). In 2024, the tanker transported russian oil from the port of Primorsk to India. The shipments were carried out under the command of captain Konstantin Kovalenko. The tanker is managed by Prominent Shipmanagement LTD, established in 2022 in Hong Kong, which was sanctioned by USA on January 10, 2025. Prominent is headed by Arjun Deshmukh, who worked for FESCO Wallem Shipmanagement, a joint venture between a russian company and Hong Kong's oldest ship manager. Prominent Shipmanagement LTD took over all tankers operated by K&O Shipmanagement FZE, a Dubai-based company affiliated with the sanctioned russian company Sovcomflot, and the vessels were included in the Indian Register of Shipping (the classification society with the largest market share of the so-called shadow fleet). PJSC Sovcomflot is 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 gas amidst the sanctions restrictions imposed 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 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. Oil exports from russia are the most important source of income for the kremlin regime to finance the war against Ukraine. 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 that impose price restrictions accounted for 14% of the total value of russian oil exported in September. The shadow tanker fleet continues to generate multibillion-dollar revenues for the kremlin by circumventing sanctions by disguising its activities under third-country flags, using complex schemes to conceal owners, and poses significant environmental safety hazards with significant economic costs to coastal countries and/or the international community due to the outdated and inadequately insured shadow fleet tankers. On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel. On February 24, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel. 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) (EU sanctions will enter into force on February 25, 2025).

The tanker is involved in the export of russian oil/oil products from russian ports in the Baltic, Black Seas, and the Pacific region to India and China, in violation of the G7 and EU oil embargo on russian oil. In particular, in March 2023, a tanker transported russian oil from the russian port of Taman to the EU countries (Laconikos Gulf, Greece). The vessel is certified by the Indian Register of Shipping (IACS). The international non-governmental organization Greenpeace refers to the tanker as a shadowy fleet of tankers that transport russian oil around the world and threaten the environment. The tanker is affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management, one of the leading operators of the so-called 'shadow' fleet involved in the transportation of russian crude oil under Western sanctions, and the company Galena Ship Management, which is affiliated with Gatik, which in 2023, together with Gaurik Ship Management LLP, Caishan Ship Management, Plutos Ship Management, Geras Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Orion Ship Management LLP, Nautilus Shipping (India), Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment LLC, Zidan Ship Management, was involved in a scheme to 'juggle' vessels operated by Gatik Ship Management to avoid sanctions. Gatik Ship Management and Galena Ship Management were the previous managers of the tanker. 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.). 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. 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 January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel. On February 21, 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel. 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).

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/oil 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. The tanker is certified by the Indian regulator Indian Register of Shipping (IACS). On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel. 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).

During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price-cap policy on russian oil, the tanker is involved in exporting russian oil from russian ports in the Baltic Sea and the Pacific region to China and India, and resorts to the practice of turning off the AIS signal and conducting so-called 'dark activities' at sea. The vessel is certified by the Indian regulator Indian Register of Shipping (IACS). The vessel, through its related companies, including Stream Ship Management FZCO, Sun Ship Management, Oil Tankers SCF MGMT FZCO, SCF Management Services Cyprus, is affiliated with the sanctioned PJSC Sovcomflot, tthe largest state-owned shipping company in russia that services and supports offshore hydrocarbon production, transportation of russian crude oil, oil products, and liquefied natural gas. The major charterers of PJSC Sovcomflot's vessels are russia's largest oil and gas companies and traders. PJSC Sovcomflot is involved in servicing major oil and gas projects in russia: Sakhalin-1, Sakhalin-2, Varandey, Prirazlomnoye, Novy Port, Yamal LNG and others. After the sanctions were imposed, PJSC Sovcomflot transferred dozens of vessels to the ownership of companies it had set up, including in foreign jurisdictions, and began the practice of constantly 'juggling' (transferring) vessels to related companies. According to expert estimates, the tankers 're-registered' by PJSC Sovcomflot to related companies are part of the so-called 'shadow tanker fleet' of the russian federation to continue selling russian crude oil, oil products, and liquefied natural gas under Western sanctions. The shadow tanker fleet 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 environmental threats with significant economic costs to coastal countries and/or the international community due to the outdated and inadequate insurance of shadow fleet tankers. On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel. 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).