Marine Vessels

In 2024, the tanker will be involved in the export of russian oil to China from the port of Kozmino.
The vessel is certified by the Korean Register (IACS).
According to Lloyd's List, 'AMBER 6' is linked to anonymous Chinese buyers who spent about $376 million to purchase 13 tankers to carry out risky ship-to-ship transportation of russian oil in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Ship-to-shore logistics hubs are a common feature of the scheme, allowing for the concealment of ownership and origin of cargo. In addition to the mid-Atlantic STS hub, there are also areas near the ports of Kalamata (Greece), Malta, Ceuta, and the Caucasus where ship-to-ship operations have been established for russian oil. STS's operations in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean are outside the jurisdiction of port authorities, with limited technical and operational oversight, which increases safety and environmental concerns due to the unknown insurance and vessel ownership data.
Lloyd's List has tracked five Aframax tankers, seven large oil carriers and one Suezmax vessel to an anonymous buyer through separate but related companies operating offshore Hong Kong and China that own similar vessels. The group of tankers was acquired between May and July 2022 for a total of $285 million, based on ship brokerage reports and market valuations. Since then, all but one of the tankers have been involved in the transshipment of russian oil cargoes at a high-risk transshipment hub located 860 nautical miles west of Portugal in international waters. The vessels purchased by the anonymous Chinese buyer are 15 years old or more, making it impossible for most major oil companies to charter them and impossible to obtain conventional financing.
Oil exports from russia are the most important source of income for the kremlin regime to finance its 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 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 December 16, 2024, the 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.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On July 21, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In August 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the tanker's master.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and price cap policy on russian oil has been involved since January 2024 in the export of russian oil from russian ports in the Baltic Sea to third countries.
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as part of a shadow 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.
On December 17, 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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, Australia 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 6, 2026, the US imposed sanctions on a tanker for transporting Iranian oil/oil products.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.

During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price-cap policy on russian 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 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 in the Baltic Sea and the Pacific region, and resorts to the practice of turning off the AIS signal, conducting so-called 'dark activities' at sea near Malaysia, Oman, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Since the beginning of 2024, the tanker has transported tens of thousands of metric tons of fuel oil on behalf of the sub-sanctioned National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) to China.
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as a shadow fleet.
russia's shadow fleet continues to generate billions of dollars in revenue for the kremlin by circumventing 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 March 13, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel as part of the restrictions on Iran's petroleum/petrochemical sector.
Since December 19, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since January 13, 2026, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 24, 2026, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products is involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products, and resorts to deceptive, high-risk practices (disabling AIS, conducting dark activities near Malaysia, making STS transmissions with russian affiliation).
In early January 2023, the tanker IMO 9422988 made an STS transmission in international waters of the South Korean anchorage with the help of the russian tanker IMO 9301407 (under sanctions since January 2025, affiliated with the sanctioned russian company PJSC Sovcomflot), which had previously been loaded at the russian oil terminal De-Kastri.
The tanker IMO 9422988 is involved in an established chain of supply of russian crude oil/petroleum products to third countries by making STS transfers in the area near European countries, in particular, with the sanctioned tanker IMO 9247443, which since July 2024 has been operating in the area near Greece, Cyprus as a transshipment STS hub for russian crude oil/petroleum products, which are transported by tankers mainly from the russian ports of Tuapse, Novorossiysk, Taman crude oil/petroleum products transshipment complex for transshipment near European countries. In January and March 2025, tanker IMO 9422988 conducted STS transmissions with tanker IMO 9247443 near Greece and Cyprus, respectively. There are other STS transfers near Cyprus and Greece in 2025 with other tankers of the russian shadow fleet (IMO 9352195, IMO 9314882, IMO 9263203, IMO 9299862, IMO 9198290, IMO 9424651), which were sanctioned by the EU, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom in May 2025.
Transshipment of crude oil/petroleum products of russian origin by STS method at sea allows concealing the ownership and origin of the cargo, legalizing their supply to the EU, USA and other countries. In turn, the sale of crude oil/petroleum products on the world market allows the russian state budget to accumulate significant financial resources, 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 tanker is involved in the transportation of Iranian oil to Chinese refineries, for which it was sanctioned by USAA in March 2025.
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.
Since September 18, 2025, Australia has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
At the end of 2025, the tanker was used by Trafigura to transport Venezuelan oil to the US as part of US-imposed controls on Venezuelan oil.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

During the G7 and EU 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 and is actively engaged in shady activities in the Kerch Strait area.
The international non-governmental organization Greenpeace classifies the tanker as part of a shadow fleet of tankers that transport russian oil around the world and threaten the environment. The tanker is linked to an incident that threatens environmental safety in the Gulf of Finland and poses significant risks to coastal countries. In February 2025, explosions occurred in the engine room of the tanker loaded with fuel oil at the port of Ust-Luga. The ship's crew of 24 managed to reach the shore without injury, but as a result of the incident, the ship ran aground with its stern, and the russian Ministry of Emergency Situations set up boom barriers around the ship. The Federal Agency for Maritime and River Transport of russia stated that the tanker's cargo holds were not damaged and there was no leakage of oil products.
The tanker is involved in the transportation of Iranian oil. Since the start of russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, more than 100 ships that previously helped Iran export oil are now helping russia transport russian crude and petroleum products.
Many tankers involved in transporting Iranian oil to countries such as China are involved in Venezuelan trade, including tanker IMO 9234642. 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 relations 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 foreign (non-Iranian) flags are also involved in this trade.
The tanker is affiliated with the sanctioned Cypriot company Lagosmarine Limited, which was the tanker's manager. In January 2025, the US imposed sanctions on Lagosmarine Limited for its activities in the russian energy sector and as the technical manager of a tanker that transported crude oil and made several calls at a russian port where the price of oil consistently exceeded the price cap.
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 кussia, 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.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada has imposed sanctions on 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 during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo, the price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products is involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products, actively engaged in dark activities near the russian ports of Novorossiysk, Ust-Luga, FSO IMO 9217979 in the Kola Bay, as well as near Iran.
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as part of a shadow fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world and threatening the environment.
The tanker is affiliated with Sparta Shipmanagement Limited, a company associated with the sanctioned Aleksejs Halavins, who in 2022 stated that he was the general manager of Sparta Shipmanagement Limited, as well as the chairman of the board of directors and the ultimate beneficial owner of the OGC group. Aleksejs Halavins, a Latvian citizen, was deeply involved in the trade of russian crude oil by the sanctioned company Black Pearl and has been an active buyer of russian oil at prices above the price cap since 2023. Halavins owns and manages the UAE-based sanctioned company Conrad Management Company LLC FZ (Conrad) and is the CEO of the Liberian-registered sanctioned companies Lule One Services Inc (Lule) and Lathyrus Shipping Company (Lathyrus). Halavins holds senior positions in the UAE-registered sanctioned companies International Marine Management FZE (International Marine) and Fulda Shipping Co (Fulda), both registered in Liberia.
According to UANI, the tanker was involved in the transportation of Iranian oil and after the beginning of russia's full-scale invasion into Ukraine switched to the transportation of russian crude oil/petroleum products.
On May 09, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker as part of the restrictions on the shadow fleet of the russian federation, including for engaging in activities aimed at destabilizing Ukraine, undermining/threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine or benefiting from or supporting the government of russia, and participating in the transportation of crude oil/petroleum products of russian origin, in particular, from russia to a third country.
On May 20, 2025, the EU imposed sanctions, which 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 is involved in the export of sanctioned russian oil from russian ports in the Baltic Sea and the Pacific region to China, in particular from a russian port where the price of oil has consistently exceeded the maximum price of $60 per barrel of russian oil set by the G7+.
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as a shadow fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world and threatening the environment.
The vessel is also involved in the transport of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products.
On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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.
According to GISIS IMO data as of July 15, 2025, the vessel's registered name is LOTUS, and the vessel's flag is marked as "Sint Maarten False". At the same time, the vessel uses the flag of Malawi.
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 November 2025, Canada 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.

During the G7 and EU oil embargo and price cap policy on russian crude oil, the tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil from russian ports in the Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Pacific region, mainly to India and China.
The tanker also transports Iranian crude oil.
Many tankers involved in transporting Iranian oil to countries such as China are also involved in Venezuelan trade, including tanker IMO 9270517. 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.
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as part of a shadow fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world and threatening the environment.
The vessel is affiliated with Sun Ship Management, a sanctioned company associated with the sanctioned 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 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.
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.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On July 21, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.

Since 2024, the tanker has been involved in the export of sanctioned russian oil from russian ports in the Baltic Sea and the Pacific region, mainly to China and India, in particular from a russian port where the price of oil has consistently exceeded the maximum price of $60 per barrel of russian oil set by the G7+.
The tanker is also involved in the transportation of Iranian oil.
On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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.
On July 21, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.

During the G7 and EU oil embargo and price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products, the tanker has been involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports in the Baltic, Black Seas, and Pacific region to third countries.
In September 2022 and January 2023, United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) included the tanker in a public list of vessels suspected of being involved in the transportation of sanctioned Iranian oil.
The vessel IMO 9337389 is affiliated with the sanctioned company Oceanlink Maritime DMCC, which was sanctioned by the United States on April 4, 2024, for facilitating the transport of Iranian goods on behalf of the Armed Forces General Staff (AFGS) and the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL).
Oceanlink Maritime DMCC is part of a vast shipping empire controlled by sanctioned Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani. Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani is the son of Ali Shamkhani, chief political advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader and former Iranian defense minister. Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani uses corruption through his father's political influence at the highest levels of the Iranian regime to build and operate a vast fleet of tankers and container ships. This network transports oil and petroleum products from Iran and russia, as well as other cargo, to buyers around the world, generating tens of billions of dollars in profits. Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani's network consists of a huge fleet of ships, ship management companies, and front companies that launder billions in profits from global sales of Iranian and russian crude oil and petroleum products, most often to buyers in the PRC. The network takes significant measures to conceal its operations and obscure its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and russia.
On April 4, 2024, the US imposed sanctions on the tanker. On May 21, 2025, the EU imposed sanctions on the vessel for transporting crude oil/petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular shipping practices with a high risk level, as specified in Resolution A.1192(33) of the International Maritime Organization.
Since June 3, 2025, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On July 21, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.