Marine Vessels

During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and price-cap policy on russian crude oil, the tanker is involved in the export of russian oil from russian ports in the Baltic, Black seas, and the Pacific region, mainly to China.
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 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.
The tanker was illegally transporting hundreds of thousands of metric tons of Iranian oil on behalf of, among others, the sanctioned National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC). The National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) is one of the largest oil and gas companies in the world and is controlled by the Ministry of Oil of Iran. NIOC and its subsidiaries explore, produce, transport, process and export oil and natural gas in Iran. The oil deals of NIOC, including its subsidiaries, provide the Iranian regime with resources to finance its nuclear program, develop advanced drones and missiles, and provide ongoing financial and material support for the terrorist activities of its regional proxies.
On December 3, 2024, the US imposed sanctions on a tanker as part of restrictions on vessels that play a significant role in transporting illegal Iranian oil to foreign markets.
Since February 25 and March 4, 2025, the EU and Switzerland, respectively, have imposed sanctions on the tanker for transporting crude oil/petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular shipping practices with a high degree of risk, as specified in Resolution A.1192 (33) of the General Assembly of the International Maritime Organization.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On July 21, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since October 30, 2025, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on the tanker.
In early January 2026, the tanker MEROPE (IMO 9281891), as part of a group of tankers, attempted to leave Venezuelan waters in dark mode (with AIS transponders turned off) to bypass the US blockade as part of Operation Southern Spear. After the US detained another vessel from this group (OLINA (IMO 9282479)) on January 9, 2026, the tanker MEROPE (IMO 9281891) and two other vessels (THALIA III (IMO 9259197) and MIN HANG (IMO 9257137)) returned to Venezuelan waters. All of these tankers were loaded with oil belonging to the sanctioned Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA.
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 considered to be a part of the so-called shadow fleet used to transport crude oil from russia, Venezuela, and Iran.
Since September 2022, the tanker has been involved in the export of russian crude oil and petroleum products mainly to China from the russian ports of Kozmino in the Pacific region and Primorsk in the Baltic Sea.
The international non-governmental organization Greenpeace classifies the tanker as part of the shadow fleet of tankers that transport russian oil around the world and threaten the environment.
The vessel is affiliated with Shanghai Legendary Ship MGMT (China), the fleet of which is involved in the export of sanctioned Iranian oil.
On December 3, 2024, the US imposed sanctions on the tanker.
Since May 21 and June 3, 2025, the EU and Switzerland, respectively, have imposed sanctions on the tanker for transporting crude oil/petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular shipping practices with a high degree of risk, as specified in Resolution A.1192(33) of the General Assembly of the International Maritime Organization.
On July 21, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In August 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the tanker's master.
In November 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In early January 2026, a tanker ІМО 9233349 using the name Priya was spotted in the Caribbean Sea attempting to break through the US-imposed naval blockade of Venezuela. As of January 5, 2026, the tanker was located approximately 40 km east of Grenada. The ship was moving quickly, trying to avoid interception by US forces, and frequently turned off its AIS transponders to conceal its route.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

During the period of the G7+ oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products, the tanker was involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports in the Black and Baltic seas to third countries. In particular, in January 2024, the vessel transported russian crude oil/petroleum products from the port of Taman (russia) to the Lakonikos Gulf (Greece).
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/oil products under Western sanctions, and the Gatik-related company Gaurik Ship Management, which in 2023, together with Caishan Ship Management, Galena Ship Management, Plutos Ship Management, Geras Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Orion Ship Management, Nautilus Shipping, Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment, Zidan Ship Management, was involved in a scheme of "juggling" vessels managed by Gatik Ship Management to avoid sanctions.
Gatik Ship Management and Gaurik Ship Management were the previous managers of the tanker.
On November 25, 2024, United Kingdom imposed sanctions on a tanker in connection with the transportation of russian oil/oil products from the russian federation to a third country as part of the restrictions on the russian shadow fleet.
On December 16, 2024, EU imposed sanctions on the tanker (effective from December 17, 2024) due to the transportation of crude oil or petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular high-risk shipping practices as set out in the International Maritime Organization General Assembly Resolution A.1192(33).
On December 23, 2024, Switzerland imposed sanctions on the vessel in connection with the transportation of crude oil or petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular and risky shipping practices, as set out in the resolution of the General Assembly of the International Maritime Organization A.1192(33).
On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
As of the beginning of July 2025, the tanker is involved in commodities transportation near the ports of Venezuela.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil and petroleum products mainly to India and China from russian ports on the Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Pacific Ocean.
The international non-governmental organization Greenpeace refers to the tanker as a shadow fleet of tankers that transport russian oil around the world and threaten the environment.
The vessel is also involved in the transportation of Venezuelan crude oil/petroleum products via STS transfer of wet cargo to VLCC-class tanker IMO 9326055.
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.
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.
Since February 25, March 04, 2025 EU and Switzerland have 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.
In June 2025, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On June 19, 2025, New Zealand imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker, during the period of the G7+ 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, and uses high-risk, deceptive practices (disabling AIS, STS transmissions).
In particular, in November 2024, near Malaysia, a tanker, having left the port of Kozmino on September 25, 2024, made an STS transmission with the tanker IMO 9313149 of the VLCC type, which was sanctioned by USA on January 10, 2025. Transshipment of crude oil/petroleum products of russian origin by STS method allows to conceal the ownership and origin of the cargo, legalize their supply to EU countries, 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 international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as part of the shadow fleet of tankers that transport russian oil around the world and threaten the environment.
The vessel is also involved in the transportation of Iranian 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 9264570. 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 09, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker as part of the restrictions on the russian shadow fleet.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On July 3, 2025, the US imposed sanctions on a tanker for transporting Iranian crude oil/petroleum products.
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.
In early January 2026, the tanker NAYARA (IMO 9264570), as part of a group of tankers, attempted to leave Venezuelan waters in dark mode (with AIS transponders turned off) to bypass the US blockade as part of Operation Southern Spear. After the US detained another vessel from this group (OLINA (IMO 9282479)) on January 9, 2026, the tanker NAYARA (IMO 9264570) returned to Venezuelan waters.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil / petroleum products during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and price-cap policy on russian crude oil / petroleum products, and resorts to the practice of turning off the AIS signal and conducting dark activities at sea.
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.
Many tankers involved in transporting Iranian oil to countries such as China are also involved in Venezuelan trade, including tanker IMO 9304356. 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.
Since May 21 and June 3, 2025, the EU and Switzerland have imposed sanctions on tankers transporting crude oil/petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular shipping practices with a high degree of risk, as specified in Resolution A.1192(33) of the General Assembly of the International Maritime Organization.
On June 17, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker in connection with the transportation of crude oil/petroleum products originating in russia or exported from russia to third countries.
Since June 2025, the vessel has been owned by Backstreet Palm Corp (Seychelles), which was sanctioned by the US on July 30, 2025. Backstreet Palm Corp is part of the vast shipping empire of Iranian oil magnate and major arms supplier to russia Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, son of Ali Shamkhani, former Iranian defense minister and chief political adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The network takes significant measures to conceal its operations and obscure its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and russia.
On July 30, 2025, the US imposed sanctions on the tanker IMO 9304356.
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 24, 2026, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker during the period of the G7+ oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil/oil products is involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products from russian facilities in the Baltic and Black Seas.
The tanker is also involved in the transportation of sanctioned Iranian oil.
Many tankers involved in transporting Iranian oil to countries such as China are also involved in Venezuelan trade, including tanker IMO 9247431. 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 24, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker as part of restrictions on russia's shadow fleet.
Since February 25 and March 4, 2025, respectively, the EU and Switzerland have imposed sanctions on tankers transporting crude oil/petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular shipping practices with a high degree of risk, as specified in Resolution A.1192 (33) of the General Assembly of the International Maritime Organization.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In June 2025, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since September 12, 2025, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On September 25, 2025, a tanker transported 140,000 tons of russian crude oil for export from the Sheskharis terminal in the port of Novorossiysk (russia) to India. The shipper of the cargo was the sanctioned russian company PJSC "Oil Company "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.

During the oil embargo and price cap policy, the tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products, including through STS transfers, particularly in the Gulf of Laconikos.
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 9213296. 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.

During the oil embargo and price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products, the tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products, including through STS transfers in the area of the Gulf of Laconikos.
The tanker called at a russian port where the price of russian oil consistently exceeded the price cap of $60 per barrel.
The international non-governmental organization Greenpeace classifies the tanker as part of the shadow fleet of tankers that transport russian oil around the world and threaten the environment.
The vessel is also involved in the transportation of Iranian crude oil/petroleum products. Since the start of 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/petroleum products.
Many tankers involved in transporting Iranian oil to countries such as China are involved in Venezuelan trade, including tanker IMO 9273052. 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 cargoes are transported by vessels of the sanctioned National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) in both directions. A significant number of vessels flying under foreign (non-Iranian) flags are also involved in this trade.
Since December 17 and 23, 2024, the EU and Switzerland have imposed sanctions on the tanker for transporting crude oil or petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular shipping practices with a high degree of risk, as specified in Resolution A.1192(33) of the General Assembly of the International Maritime Organization.
On January 10, 2025, the US imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On May 9, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker.
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.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.

In 2024, the tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil to third countries from russian ports in the Baltic Sea and the Pacific region.
The tanker is also involved in the transportation of Iranian oil.
Tanker IMO 9257137 is linked to anonymous Chinese buyers who spent approximately $376 million on the purchase of a group of 13 tankers for high-risk transportation of crude oil of russian origin. Among these 13 tankers are seven VLCCs, five Aframaxes, and one Suezmax. The vessels were purchased through 20 separate but interconnected single-vessel shell companies from Hong Kong and the PRC.
Subsequently, all but one of the tankers were engaged in transshipment of wet cargo in international waters, in areas 860 nautical miles west of Portugal.
On December 03, 2024, USA imposed sanctions on the tanker.
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.
On July 21, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In November 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In early January 2026, the tanker MIN HANG (IMO 9257137), as part of a group of tankers, attempted to leave Venezuelan waters in dark mode (with AIS transponders turned off) to bypass the US blockade as part of Operation Southern Spear. After the US detained another vessel from this group (OLINA (IMO 9282479)) on January 9, 2026, the tanker MIN HANG (IMO 9257137) and two other vessels (THALIA III (IMO 9259197) and MEROPE (IMO 9281891)) returned to Venezuelan waters. All of these tankers were loaded with oil belonging to the sanctioned Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the transportation of sanctioned Iranian oil, conducting dark activities at sea, in particular, for the STS oil transfer in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean with the participation of EMILY S (IMO 9321847), Merope (IMO 9281891), Skadi (IMO 9230971).
The vessel is affiliated with the Chinese company Shanghai Legendary Ship Management Company Limited (under USA sanctions), whose fleet has been involved in the illegal transportation of millions of barrels of Iranian oil since at least 2022.
On December 03, 2024, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Many tankers involved in transporting Iranian oil to countries such as China are also involved in Venezuelan trade, including tanker IMO 9292163. 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.
In March 2025, the US imposed a 25% tariff on countries importing Venezuelan oil. As part of Operation Southern Spear in December 2025, the US imposed a blockade on oil tankers entering/leaving Venezuelan ports. As part of the blockade, the US detained several tankers off the coast of Venezuela in December 2025 and early January 2026. At the same time, at least 16 tankers left Venezuelan waters in an attempt to avoid the naval blockade by the US Navy. The vessels, most of which were loaded with Venezuelan crude oil/petroleum products, left Venezuelan territorial waters with their AIS signals disabled, falsifying their coordinates to conceal their actual location. Among the 16 tankers, 15 vessels are under sanctions for transporting Iranian and russian crude oil/petroleum products. According to satellite images, tanker IMO 9292163 was tracked about 30 miles off the coast of Venezuela. At the same time, the ship used the name "Ekta" on its hull and signaled coordinates near the coast of Nigeria. The tanker probably loaded Venezuelan oil in circumvention of US sanctions and left Venezuela's main oil terminal, Puerto Jose, heading northeast.

The tanker is involved in the export of sanctioned russian crude oil/oil products from russian ports in the Black Sea, Baltic Sea, and Pacific region, including through deceptive practices.
The tanker is considered to be part of the shadow fleet, affiliated with SUNNE CO LIMITED, which was sanctioned by USA on January 10, 2025 for its activities in the energy sector of the russian federation.
On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel as a property in which SUNNE CO LIMITED has an interest.
According to GISIS IMO data, as of July 17, 2025, the vessel's flag is unknown. At the same time, the vessel uses the flag of Panama.
Since September 12, 2025, the United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since October 24, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In November 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On January 3, 2026, tanker IMO 9281152 became one of at least 16 tankers that left Venezuelan ports in defiance of the naval blockade imposed by the US as part of Operation Southern Spear in late 2025. The ship likely left with a cargo of Venezuelan crude oil or fuel oil, using the name Cape Balder.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 20, 2026, New Zealand imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.