Marine Vessels

During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products, the tanker has been involved since February 2023 in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products mainly to the PRC and third countries.
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.
In October 2024, the ship's management was transferred from the Moldova-based KSN Shipmanagement SRL to the Azerbaijan-based Dream Island Shipping LLC. According to investigative journalists from RISE Moldova, KSN Shipmanagement SRL is one of ten Moldova-based companies that play a significant role in the maritime transportation of russian oil.
The tanker's name Torex appeared in early 2023 after it was sold by a Pakistani corporation for more than five billion Pakistani rupees (equivalent to about $21 million in early 2023). In early April, and then in July 2023, a Norwegian maritime trade news portal reported that the actual new beneficiary of the tanker was KSN Shipmanagement SRL from Moldova.
The shadow fleet of russia 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 threats with significant economic costs to coastal countries and/or the international community due to the outdated and inadequate insurance of shadow fleet tankers.
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.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has 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, the price cap policy on russian crude oil/oil products involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products from russian ports in the Baltic, Black Seas, and Pacific region, resorts to conducting dark activities with the disabling of AIS near the russian port of Ust-Luga.
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as part of a shadow fleet of tankers transporting russian crude around the world and threatening 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 Caishan Ship Management, which is affiliated with Gatik, which in 2023, along with Gaurik 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 to "juggle" vessels operated by Gatik Ship Management to avoid sanctions.
Gatik Ship Management and Caishan Ship Management were the previous managers of the tanker.
Tankers operated/managed by the Indian Gatik Ship Management continue to be used by related companies and call at russian ports.
On May 09, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker as part of the restrictions on the shadow fleet of the russian federation, including for engaging in activities aimed at destabilizing Ukraine, undermining/threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine or benefiting from or supporting the government of russia, and participating in the transportation of crude oil/petroleum products of russian origin, in particular, from russia to a third country.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
From July 20, 2025, the EU imposed sanctions on a tanker for transporting crude oil/petroleum products that originate in russia or are exported from russia using irregular and high-risk shipping practices as set out in the International Maritime Organization General Assembly resolution A.1192 (33).
On August 12, 2025, Switzerland imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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 on russian oil/oil products is involved in the export of russian oil/oil products from russian ports in the Baltic Sea, the Pacific region to third countries, conducting dark activities near Malaysia, Thailand, the russian ports of Ust-Luga, Vistino in the Baltic Sea with the AIS signal turned off.
The international NGO Greenpeace refers to the tanker as a shadow fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world through the Baltic Sea, the Kadetsky Canal area in the Bay of Mecklenburg and threatening the environment.
The tanker is affiliated with Dream Island Shipping LLC (Azerbaijan), the fleet of which includes/included oil tankers classified by Greenpeace as part of a shadow fleet of tankers transporting russian oil around the world via the Baltic Sea, the Kadetsky Canal area in the Bay of Mecklenburg, and pose a threat to the environment. At the same time, two tankers from the company's fleet (IMO 9257814 and IMO 9314105) were transferred to Dream Island Shipping LLC from the Moldovan companies Ost Shipmanagement SRL and KSN Shipmanagement SRL, which, according to an investigation by RLRISE Moldova — a community of investigative journalists, programmers, and activists from the Republic of Moldova and Romania — are involved in the creation of part of the shadow fleet used to export russian oil.
In February 2025, management of the tanker was transferred to Voyage Guard Shipmanagement (Azerbaijan).
On April 11, 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of vessel IMO 9183295.
On May 09, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker as part of the restrictions on the shadow fleet of the russian federation, including for engaging in activities aimed at destabilizing Ukraine, undermining/threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine or benefiting from or supporting the government of russia, and participating in the transportation of crude oil/petroleum products of russian origin, in particular, from russia to a third country.
On May 20, 2025, the EU imposed sanctions, which enter into force on May 21, 2025, on the tanker for the transportation of crude oil/petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular high-risk shipping practices as specified in the International Maritime Organization General Assembly Resolution A.1192(33).
On June 03, 2025, the sanctions imposed by Switzerland on the vessel came into force.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since September 18, 2025, Australia has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 20, 2026, New Zealand imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker 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.
Within the framework of restrictions on the russian shadow fleet, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker on February 24, 2025.
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).
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
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 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 russian oil from russian ports to third countries.
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 Gatik-related company Plutos Ship Management, which in 2023, together with Caishan Ship Management, Galena Ship Management, Gaurik Ship Management, Geras Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Orion Ship Management, Nautilus Shipping, Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment, Zidan Ship Management, was involved in a scheme to 'juggle' vessels managed by Gatik Ship Management to avoid sanctions.
Gatik Ship Management and Plutos 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.
On May 9, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel as part of restrictions on the russian shadow fleet, including for participation in activities that aim to or result in destabilizing Ukraine, undermining/threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty, or independence of Ukraine, or benefiting from or supporting the russian government, participation in the transport of crude/petroleum products of russian origin, in particular from russia to a third country.
Since May 21, 2025, the EU has 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.
Since June 3, 2025, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since September 18, 2025, Australia has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the export of russian oil from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas, mainly to India.
The tanker is affiliated with Prominent Shipmanagement Limited (Hong Kong), which is an operator of the shadow fleet involved in the transportation of sanctioned russian and Iranian oil and which was sanctioned by USA on January 10, 2025 in relation to the management of the tanker fleet, the shadow fleet involved in the transportation of sanctioned russian oil, including the Fjord Seal, which called at a russian port where the price of oil was constantly exceeding the upper ceiling of $60 per barrel, and the Samsun, which was involved in the transportation of Iranian oil.
On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel.
From May 21, 2025, the EU imposed sanctions on the tanker for the transportation of crude oil/petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular high-risk shipping practices as specified in the International Maritime Organization General Assembly Resolution A.1192(33). On 18 July 2025, the EU amended the sanctions.
On June 03, 2025, the sanctions imposed by Switzerland on the vessel came into force.
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.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker is involved in the export of russian oil from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas, mainly to India, Turkey, and other third countries, and uses the practice of disabling AIS in the Black Sea near Kherson region, TOT Crimea of Ukraine.
On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel.
From July 20, 2025, the EU imposed sanctions on a tanker for transporting crude oil/petroleum products that originate in russia or are exported from russia using irregular and high-risk shipping practices as set out in the International Maritime Organization General Assembly resolution A.1192 (33).
According to the database of the Global Integrated Shipping Information System of the International Maritime Organization (IMO's GISIS), as of July 21, 2025, the vessel's registered name is VIRAT, flag of Barbados. At the same time, the vessel sails under the flag of the Comoros.
On August 12, 2025, Switzerland imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In August 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the tanker's master.
Since September 12, 2025, the United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In November 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

Since August 2023, the tanker has been involved in the export of russian oil from russian ports in the Baltic, Black Seas, and the Pacific region, mainly to India, China, and Turkey. The last change of ownership of the vessel took place in July 2023, which indicates that the tanker was purchased, in particular, for the purpose of transporting russian oil.
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.
Under the sanctions, russia has begun to build up its own shadow fleet of outdated tankers, which has no 'ties' with the G7 and the EU and can transport oil in violation of price caps. russia disguises its shadow activities at sea under the 'convenient' flags of third countries, operates at sea without proper insurance from the international club of insurers, uses complex schemes to conceal the owners of the shadow fleet, uses various deceptive tactics to conceal the origin of its cargo, creates threats to environmental safety with large-scale economic costs for coastal countries due to the growing threat of oil spills, does not use pilots to navigate difficult areas, etc.
russia's 'shadow 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 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 January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2025, Canada 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.
In August 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the tanker's master.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 24, 2026, Australia imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker, during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo, the price-cap policy on ussian oil, has been involved in the export of russian oil from russian ports in the Baltic Sea to third countries since March 2023.
The vessel is involved in the transportation of Venezuelan oil. In early December 2023, the tanker LIBERTY (the former name of the tanker) under the flag of Cameroon ran aground in the Strait of Malacca, which forced the Singaporean authorities to send 5 tugboats to the scene and prepare for an oil spill. In June 2023, the vessel entered the port of Ust-Luga, after which it was recorded with geometric circles off the coast of Angola in August-October. This location was previously associated with the Venezuelan dark fleet trade, in which tankers give out their location in Angola to disguise their real operations in Latin America. The vessel then sailed into the Indian Ocean via the Cape of Good Hope and arrived in Singapore in late November 2023, where it ran aground on December 2. Satellite research conducted by TankerTrackers.com claims that the LIBERTY was loaded with almost a million barrels of Venezuelan fuel oil. After the incident, the vessel changed its name from LIBERTY to VERNAL and the vessel's management. The Maritime Executive noted that Cameroon had become a 'shelter' for a shadow fleet, including those involved in the transportation of sanctioned russian oil. Vessels registered under the Cameroon flag have been linked to other oil smuggling operations, including in Iran and Venezuela.
The international public organization Greenpeace refers to the tanker as a shadow fleet of tankers that transport russian oil around the world and threaten the environment.
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.
On October 15, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

Since September 2022 and during the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and price-cap policy on russian oil, the tanker has been involved in exporting russian oil from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas to India, mainly, and has also been involved in violating the G7 and EU embargo. In particular, in March 2023, it was transporting russian oil from the russian port of Kavkaz in the Black Sea to the EU countries (Laconikos Gulf, Greece).
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 commercial management of the vessel is carried out by the Turkish company Westanker Ltd, which is included in the list of 11 new 'players' in the Turkish segment of the russian shadow fleet management, which together since the beginning of 2024 have been managing 47 tankers and helping russia to circumvent the price ceiling regime for russian oil. Thus, on the same day (February 22, 2024), six oil tankers ІМО 9308077, ІМО 9321677, ІМО 9282508, ІМО 9390587, ІМО 9413004, ІМО 9326885, which were operated by the sanctioned company Fractal Marine DMCC, were transferred to the management of the Turkish company Westanker Ltd. All six tankers in 2024 are actively involved in the transportation of russian oil from russian ports in the Black, Baltic Seas and Arctic regions of russia.
The tanker's security is managed by Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), which also manages 19 other vessels affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC.
Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE, under UK sanctions) is one of the leading operators of the russian shadow fleet in 2022-2023, and played a significant role in the transportation of russian oil. Fractal Marine DMCC operated a fleet of 28 tankers as an intermediary between ship owners and charterers. Fractal Marine DMCC, together with Gatik Ship Management (India) and Radiating World Shipping Services LLC (UAE, under UK sanctions), are considered to be the leading operators of the russian shadow fleet, which in early 2023 assembled a fleet of about 90 tankers, 90% of which transported russia's oil/oil products from russian Baltic and Black seas ports to India, China, Turkey, the Middle East, Africa and South America. In less than a year, the $2 billion fleet of oil tankers assembled by Fractal and Gatik could transport more than 40 million barrels of oil/oil products. Fractal Marine DMCC, Gatik Ship Management and Radiating World Shipping Services LLC in the tanker market helped russian oil continue to circulate around the world, and the russian government to provide multibillion-dollar revenues bypassing sanctions.
On February 22, 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on Fractal Marine DMCC in connection with its involvement in servicing the russian energy sector. After the sanctions were imposed, Fractal Marine DMCC tried to challenge the sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom but lost in court. After that, the company 're-signed' its fleet to other companies.
Since December 19, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since January 13, 2026, Switzerland has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 12, 2026, Ukraine 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+ 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 ports in the Baltic and Black Seas, and is engaged in dark activities, in particular in the Black Sea south of the TOT of Crimea.
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 was affiliated with Ocean Coral Ship Management LTD, which managed the tanker IMO 9208069, until USA sanctioned on January 10, 2025, a significant number of ships considered to be shadow fleet. On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the tanker IMO 9266853, which is considered to be part of the shadow fleet, called at the russian port where the oil price constantly exceeds the upper limit of the price cap, and was managed by Ocean Coral Ship Management LTD as of the date of sanctions. In order to avoid the application of sanctions to the tanker IMO 9208069 involved in sanctioned trade, after the adoption of the sanctions package by USA on January 10, 2025, the management of the tanker IMO 9208069 was transferred from Ocean Coral Ship Management LTD (Hong Kong), which was incorporated on January 24, 2024, to Elite Marine Ship Management LTD (Hong Kong), which was incorporated on July 24, 2024.
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.
On July 21, 2025, the United Kingdom 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 russian oil from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas, mainly to China and India, and resorts to the practice of conducting 'dark' activities at sea with the AIS signal turned off.
On January 10, 2025, a 19-year-old tanker loaded with russian oil (99 thousand tons) in the port of Ust-Luga lost control in the Baltic Sea. According to the German Havariekommando, the vessel's power supply system and engine failed, it lost its ability to maneuver and began to drift at low speed in the open sea near the island of Rügen. The tanker was towed by German vessels, which in stormy weather (9-point storm, waves 3-4 meters) pulled the tanker loaded with russian oil eastward to Zasnitsa at low speed, bypassing Cape Arkona. This incident once again demonstrates the growing threat of oil spills by outdated shadow fleet vessels.
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.
The vessel is affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE, under UK sanctions), one of the leading operators of the russian shadow fleet in 2022-2023, which played a significant role in the transportation of russian oil, as well as with Fractal's affiliate Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ. Fractal Marine DMCC, together with Gatik Ship Management (India) and Radiating World Shipping Services LLC (UAE, under UK sanctions), are considered to be the leading operators of the russian shadow fleet, which in early 2023 assembled a fleet of about 90 tankers, 90% of which transported russia's oil/oil products from russian Baltic and Black seas ports to India, China, Turkey, the Middle East, Africa and South America. In less than a year, the $2 billion fleet of oil tankers assembled by Fractal and Gatik could transport more than 40 million barrels of oil/oil products. Fractal Marine DMCC, Gatik Ship Management and Radiating World Shipping Services LLC in the tanker market helped russian oil continue to circulate around the world, and the russian government to provide multibillion-dollar revenues bypassing sanctions.
On February 22, 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on Fractal Marine DMCC in connection with its involvement in servicing the russian energy sector. After the sanctions were imposed, Fractal Marine DMCC tried to challenge the sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom but lost in court. After that, the company 're-signed' its fleet to other companies.
From February 25, March 4, 2025, the EU and Switzerland respectively imposed sanctions on the tanker for transporting 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).
The vessel, IMO 9308065, is part of a vast shipping empire controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the son of Ali Shamkhani, the chief political advisor to the Supreme Leader of Iran.
Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani uses corruption through his father's political influence at the highest levels of the Iranian regime to build and operate a huge fleet of tankers and container ships. This network transports oil and petroleum products from Iran and russia, as well as other cargoes, to buyers around the world, generating tens of billions of dollars in profits.
The Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani network consists of a huge fleet of ships, ship management firms and front companies that launder billions of dollars in profits from global sales of Iranian and russian crude oil and petroleum products, mostly to buyers in China. The network takes significant steps to disguise its operations and obfuscate its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and russia.
The companies Koban Shipping LLC, Fractal Marine DMCC, Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ, with which the tanker IMO 9308065 is affiliated, are among the companies that have played a significant role in the management and operation of the Shamkhani tanker fleet.
On July 30, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the tanker IMO 9308065.
On July 21, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
In November 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.