Marine Vessels

The tanker is engaged in transportation of russian oil products to third countries and has repeatedly delivered shipments of russian oil products to the transshipment point in the Gulf of Lakonikos (Greece). The vessel is actively using deceptive, high-risk practices (turning off AIS near Greece, Malta, in the Kerch Strait area).
The tanker CHONGCHON is affiliated with Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment LLC, which is linked to India's Gatik Ship Management, one of the leading operators of the so-called "shadow" fleet, which played a key role in the transportation of russian oil under Western sanctions in 2022-2023. Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment LLC along with a number of other companies, namely Caishan Ship Management, Plutos Ship Management, Orion Ship Management, Geras Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Gaurik Ship Management LLP, Galena Ship Management, Nautilus Shipping (India), Zidan Ship Management, was involved in a scheme to "juggle" vessels operated by Gatik Ship Management to avoid sanctions.
Since October 24, 2025, the EU has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Switzerland 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.
On February 24, 2026, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since March 25, 2026, Canada has imposed sanctions on the vessel.

In August-September 2024, the tanker carried out STS transfers of russian crude oil/petroleum products from tanker IMO 9337901, which departed from the russian port of Tuapse. The tanker IMO 9337901 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/petroleum products in 2022-2023 under Western sanctions. In November 2024, an STS transfer was carried out from the sanctioned tanker IMO 9281891, involved in the transportation of sanctioned Iranian and russian oil, which departed from the port of Taman. STS transfers of russian oil were also carried out from sanctioned tankers IMO 9315446 and IMO 9271951. At the same time, there are frequent STS transfers of russian oil from tanker IMO 9294123. In particular, such transfers in the Laconikos Gulf area took place on January 10, 2025, and in early February 2025. The tanker IMO 9294123 sailed to the Laconikos Gulf from the russian port of Novorossiysk. The tanker IMO 9294123 is affiliated with Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagement, which, together with other companies (Galena Ship Management, Gaurik Ship Management, Caishan Ship Management, Plutos Ship Management, Geras Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Orion Ship Management, Nautilus Shipping, Zidan Ship Management), was involved in a scheme to "juggle" scheme involving vessels from the Indian company Gatik. In December 2024, the tanker IMO 9402732 also carried out bunkering with the oil tanker IMO 9248801, affiliated with Gatik, in the Laconikos Gulf area.
The tanker IMO 9402732 is also affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management and Gaurik Ship Management, which is associated with Gatik.
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 affiliated 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.
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.
On February 19, 2026, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.

The tanker during the period of the G7+ oil embargo and 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 Black Sea, Baltic Sea, and Pacific Ocean region, delivers russian crude oil from russian ports in the Black Sea to the Gulf of Lakonikos (Greece) for further STS transfers with the supertanker IMO 9402732, VLCC type, 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 in 2022-2023.
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.
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 from russian ports in the Black Sea, and resorts to deceptive, high-risk practices, in particular, systematic shutdowns of AIS in the Kerch Strait area in the Black Sea, STS transmissions, in particular, in the Kerch Strait area in the Black Sea in February 2025 with the tanker IMO 9185530, which has been under USA sanctions since March 26, 2024 for the transportation of Iranian commodities to China, in November, December 2024, January 2025 in the Gulf of Laconikos with the tanker IMO 9402732 of VLCC class affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management, one of the leading operators of the shadow fleet involved in the transportation of russian crude oil/oil products under Western sanctions in 2022-2023.
Since January 2023, the tanker has had three changes of management, flag country, and twice the name of the vessel.
The tanker is affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management and the Gatik-related company Gaurik Ship Management LLP, which in 2023, together with Caishan Ship Management, Plutos Ship Management, Orion Ship Management LLP, Geras Ship Management, Girik Ship Management, Galena Ship Management, Nautilus Shipping (India), Ark Seakonnect Shipmanagment LLC, Zidan Ship Management, was involved in a scheme to 'juggle' vessels managed by Gatik Ship Management in order to avoid sanctions. Gatik Ship Management and Gaurik Ship Management LLP were the previous managers of the vessel. 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.
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.
According to GISIS IMO data, as of July 17, 2025, the vessel's flag is designated as "Malawi False". As of September 16, 2025, the vessel is registered under the flag of Gambia.
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.

During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil and petroleum products, the tanker has been involved in the export of russian crude oil and petroleum products from russian ports in the Baltic Sea, employing deceptive and high-risk shipping practices, including disabling AIS in the Gulf of Finland.
On February 12, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the vessel.

During the G7+ 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 from russian ports on the Baltic and Black Seas, engaging in high-risk practices (STS transfers) in the Gulf of Laconikos (Greece), in particular with tankers affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management. Gatik Ship Management is considered one of the leading operators of the shadow fleet involved in the transportation of russian crude oil/petroleum products in 2022-2023 under western sanctions.
In August 2023, an STS transfer took place in the Gulf of Laconikos (Greece) with the tanker IMO 9402732 of the VLCC class, affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management, which during this period also carried out STS transfers, in particular, with the tanker IMO 9332834, affiliated with the Indian company Gatik Ship Management, IMO tanker 9332834 left the russian port of Ust-Luga on July 23, 2023 and arrived in the Gulf of Laconikos on August 09, 2023 (tanker IMO 9332834 has been under UK sanctions since February 24, 2025 for engaging in activities the purpose or effect of which is to destabilize Ukraine, undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine or to benefit from or support the russian government, or to participate in the transportation of crude oil/oil products of russian origin or from russia to a third country). In September 2024, an STS transmission took place with the tanker IMO 9252333 of the VLCC class in the Gulf of Lakonikos (Greece), which, in turn, carries out STS transmissions with tankers arriving in the Gulf of Lakonikos from russian ports, in particular, Ust-Luga.
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.
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.
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.

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, in particular, from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas, and is engaged in dark activities near the russian port of Ust-Luga in the Baltic Sea.
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 Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE, under UK sanctions for its involvement in servicing the energy sector of the russian economy). Fractal Marine DMCC is considered to be one of the leading operators of the so-called shadow fleet involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products under Western sanctions in 2022-2023. The shipping company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE) was established shortly before the G7 countries introduced a price-cap policy on russian crude oil/oil products and played a significant role in the transportation of russian crude oil/oil products under sanctions.
The tanker is also affiliated with Macario Shipping LLC (UAE), which fleet participated in the sanctioned trade.
The vessel IMO 9282041 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. Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani's network consists of a vast fleet of ships, ship management companies, and front companies, some of which pose as legitimate financial services companies, laundering billions in profits from worldwide sales of Iranian and russian crude oil and other petroleum products, most often to buyers in China. Though the network has gone to great lengths to disguise its operations and obfuscate its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and Russia. Fractal Marine DMCC, with which the vessel IMO 9282041 is affiliated, is one of a number of 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 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.
On April, 2026, the EU imposed sanctions on 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 oil/petroleum products.
The tanker is linked to sanctioned companies Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), which managed the vessel in 2022-2024. Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE) are the part of the vast shipping empire of Iranian oil magnate and major arms supplier to russia Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, son of Ali Shamkhani, former minister of defense of Iran and chief political advisor to Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei.
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.
On February 19, 2026, Canada 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, in particular, from russian ports in the Baltic Sea.
The tanker is affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE, under United Kingdom sanctions for its involvement in servicing the energy sector of the russian economy). Fractal Marine DMCC is considered to be one of the leading operators of the so-called shadow fleet involved in the export of russian crude oil/oil products under Western sanctions in 2022-2023. The shipping company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE) was established shortly before the G7 countries introduced a price-cap policy on russian crude oil/oil products and played a significant role in the transportation of russian crude oil/oil products under sanctions.
After the sanctions were imposed on Fractal Marine DMCC, the company tried to appeal the sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom, but lost in court. After that, the company 're-signed' its fleet to other companies. Thus, the tankers previously managed by Fractal Marine DMCC were transferred to new management companies, in particular, Algae Ship Charter FZCO (UAE). The vessels managed by Algae Ship Charter FZCO continue to export russian crude oil/oil products from the russian ports of Primorsk and Ust-Luga in the Baltic Sea.
The safety management of the tanker from May 2023 to February 2025 was carried out by Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), which also managed 19 other vessels affiliated with Fractal Marine DMCC. In particular, on January 10, 2025, the 19-year-old tanker IMO 9308065, which was managed by Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ, loaded with russian crude 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, the ship lost its ability to maneuver and began to drift at low speed in the open sea near the island of Rügen. This incident once again demonstrates the growing threat of oil spills by outdated shadow fleet vessels.
The vessel, IMO 9318022, 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 Crios Shipping LLC, Fractal Marine DMCC, Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ, Algae Ship Charter FZCO, with which the tanker IMO 9318022 is affiliated, are among the companies that have played a significant role in the management and operation of the Shamkhani tanker fleet. At the same time, Crios Shipping LLC is involved in the supply of missiles, drone components and dual-use goods from Iran to russia in exchange for russian oil supplies.
On July 30, 2025, USA imposed sanctions on the tanker IMO 9318022.
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 to third countries, in particular from russian ports on the Baltic Sea. The tanker is affiliated with the sanctioned company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), which is considered one of the leading operators of the russian shadow fleet. In early 2023, Fractal Marine DMCC was one of the three largest carriers of russian crude oil/petroleum products, along with Radiating World Shipping Services LLC (UAE) and Gatik Ship Management (India), and played a significant role in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products to countries around the world during the period of sanctions restrictions.
On February 22, 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on Fractal Marine DMCC for its involvement in servicing the russian energy sector. Fractal Marine DMCC operated a fleet of 28 tankers as an intermediary between shipowners and charterers. After being sanctioned, Fractal Marine DMCC transferred its fleet to other related companies for management.
The vessel IMO 9328170 is part of a vast shipping empire controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, son of Ali Shamkhani, chief political advisor to Iran's supreme leader.
Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani uses his father's political influence to corrupt top-level officials in the Iranian regime in order to build and operate a vast fleet of tankers and container ships. This fleet 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. Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani's shipping empire consists of a vast fleet of vessels, ship management companies, and front companies that launder billions of dollars in profits from the global sale of Iranian and russian crude oil and petroleum products, mostly to buyers in the PRC. The shipping empire takes significant measures to conceal its operations and obscure its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and russia.
BPT Shipping Co LLC (UAE), Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), and Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), with which the tanker IMO 9328170 is affiliated, are among a number of companies that have played a significant role in the management and operation of the Shamkhani shipping empire's tanker fleet.
On July 30, 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on the tanker IMO 9328170.
On April, 2026, the EU imposed sanctions on the vessel.

Tanker during the period of the G7 oil embargo, EU, price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products from russian ports on the Baltic and Black Seas, including on behalf of PJSC Surgutneftegaz and PJSC Tatneft.
The tanker is affiliated with sanctioned companies FRACTAL MARINE DMCC (UAE), TARABYA LOGISTICS LTD (UAE), and WANTA SHIPPING L.L.C-FZ (UAE), which managed the vessel from December 2022 to December 2024. These companies are part of the 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. Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani's shipping empire consists of a huge fleet of ships, ship management companies, and front companies that generate billions of dollars in profits from sales of Iranian and russian crude oil, petroleum products, and other cargoes to buyers around the world.
In July 2025, the tanker's manager changed again to the Indian company Fleet Tanqo Pvt Ltd (IMO 0261023). As of December 10, 2025, Fleet Tanqo Pvt Ltd operates a fleet of eight oil tankers from Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani's shipping network.

During the period of the G7+ oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian crude oil / petroleum products, the tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil / petroleum products from russian ports.
The tanker is linked to sanctioned companies Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), and Algae Ship Charter FZCO (UAE), which managed the vessel in 2023-2024.
Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE) is considered one of the leading operators of the shadow fleet, which in early 2023 was among the three largest carriers of russian crude oil, together with Radiating World Shipping Services LLC (UAE) and Gatik Ship Management (India), and played a significant role in the export of the russian crude oil to countries around the world during the period of sanctions restrictions. Fractal Marine DMCC managed a fleet of 28 tankers as an intermediary between shipowners and charterers.
Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), and Algae Ship Charter FZCO (UAE) are part of a shipping empire controlled by the sanctioned Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, son of Ali Shamkhani, the chief political advisor to Iran's supreme leader. Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani uses his father's political influence to corrupt top-level officials in the Iranian regime in order to build and operate a huge fleet of tankers and container ships. This fleet transports crude 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. Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani's shipping empire consists of a vast fleet of vessels, ship management companies, and front companies that launder billions of dollars in profits from the global sale of Iranian and russian crude oil and petroleum products, mostly to buyers in the PRC. The shipping empire takes significant measures to conceal its operations and obscure its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and russia.
Fractal Marine DMCC has played an important role in the management and operation of the tanker and container ship fleet of Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani's shipping network. Algae Ship Charter FZCO and Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE) provide operational services for Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani's shipping network fleet.
Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ provided technical management of the vessel IMO 9308065, which was involved in an incident in the Baltic Sea due to technical malfunctions. On January 10, 2025, the vessel IMO 9308065, 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. This incident once again demonstrates the growing threat of oil spills by outdated shadow fleet vessels.