Marine vessels

In August 2024, the first shipments/reloadings of STS LNG from the sanctioned Arctic LNG-2 facility were recorded by vessels that were subsequently sanctioned by partners. At the same time, there is a possibility that earlier than in August 2024, the LNG carrier 'Christophe De Margerie' shipped the first batch of LNG from 'Arctic LNG-2' to Europe, the shipment operation was carried out in the period of June 06-11, 2024, but it was not a full batch, but a blend of LNG from 'Yamal LNG'. In the period from June 08-09, June 09-10, 2024, the vessel carried out the so-called “dark” activity near the port of Sabetta in the Gulf of Ob. Arctic LNG-2 is the second large-capacity project after Yamal LNG of Novatek's sanctioned project for natural gas extraction and liquefied natural gas production on the Gydan Peninsula. 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. The LNG carrier 'Christophe de Margerie' is linked to Gas Carriers SCF MGMT FZCO (UAE), which is affiliated with the sanctioned PJSC 'Sovcomflot', the largest state-owned shipping company in russia, a key company for servicing and supporting offshore hydrocarbon production, transportation of russian oil, oil products, liquefied gas against the background of sanctions restrictions on russia after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The services provided by Sovcomflot are a significant source of income for russia, as more than 70% of russia's revenues come from energy sales, which allows it to finance its war against Ukraine. The main charterers of Sovcomflot vessels are the largest oil and gas companies and traders in russia. Sovcomflot is involved in servicing major oil and gas projects in russia: Sakhalin-1, Sakhalin-2, Varandey, Prirazlomnoye, Novy Port, Yamal LNG, etc. Prior to russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the company's fleet consisted of about 145 vessels. After the sanctions were imposed, Sovcomflot transferred dozens of vessels to the ownership of companies it had set up, including in foreign jurisdictions, in order to circumvent them, and began the practice of constantly 'juggling' (transferring) vessels to related companies. According to expert estimates, the tankers transferred by Sovcomflot to related companies are part of the so-called “shadow fleet” of the russian federation to continue selling russian oil, oil products, and liquefied gas under sanctions. On December 16, 2024, the EU imposed sanctions on the vessel (effective December 17, 2024) in relation to contributing to, supporting actions or policies aimed at the exploitation, development or expansion of the energy sector in russia, including energy infrastructure. On December 23, 2024, Switzerland imposed sanctions on the vessel in connection with promoting, supporting actions or policies aimed at the exploitation, development or expansion of the energy sector in russia, including energy infrastructure. On January 10, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the vessel. In June 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 vessel for promoting or supporting actions/policies aimed at the exploitation, development or expansion of the energy sector in russia, including energy infrastructure. On June 03, 2025, the sanctions imposed by Switzerland on the vessel came into force. Since July 20, 2025, the EU has deleted the tanker IMO 9958303 from the list of sanctioned vessels.

On May 20, 2025, the EU imposed sanctions, which enter into force on May 21, 2025, on the vessel for promoting or supporting actions/policies aimed at the exploitation, development or expansion of the energy sector in russia, including energy infrastructure. On June 03, 2025, the sanctions imposed by Switzerland on the vessel came into force. Since July 20, 2025, the EU has deleted the tanker IMO 9958315 from the list of sanctioned vessels.

On May 20, 2025, the EU imposed sanctions, which enter into force on May 21, 2025, on the vessel for promoting or supporting actions/policies aimed at the exploitation, development or expansion of the energy sector in russia, including energy infrastructure. On June 03, 2025, the sanctions imposed by Switzerland on the vessel came into force. On July 20, 2025, the EU deleted the tanker IMO 9958298 from the list of sanctioned vessels.

It is involved in the supply of sanctioned goods to russia. In particular, on 21 May 2023, a vessel loaded with special and automotive equipment (trucks, tankers and cargo trailers) crossed the Bosphorus Strait and entered the Black Sea. The vessel is sailing from 21 to 23 May 2023 on the route Haydarpaşa Port (Istanbul) to Novorossiysk Port (russia). During this voyage, the vessel once again switched off the AIS satellite surveillance system to conceal its activities. Over the past 5 years, the vessel has frequently changed the names and flags of its home countries to conceal its activities in the Black Sea and to enter the closed ports of the TOT of Crimea. The vessel is a violator of the so-called ‘Crimean sanctions’, in violation of the state borders of Ukraine, it made frequent calls to the ports of Sevastopol, Yevpatoriya, Feodosiya.