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Sanctioned Russian Shadow Fleet Oil Tanker Blocks Suez Canal
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
A Russian-flagged oil tanker under international sanctions briefly blocked the Suez Canal on October 28 after running aground due to engine failure, according to MarineTraffic News on October 29.
The 274-meter-long crude carrier Komander became stranded near the 48-kilometre mark of the canal at around 12:30 p.m. local time. The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) deployed tugboats to assist, refloating the vessel by 2:45 p.m. No pollution or structural damage was reported.
According to TradeWinds, the Komander was sailing southbound as the last in a convoy of 19 vessels. While 18 ships ahead passed safely, the incident temporarily halted 20 northbound ships.
Ship-tracking data cited by the outlet indicates the tanker had loaded crude oil at Murmansk and was en route to China “for orders” when it stalled.
Built in 2004, Komander is operated by Hong Kong-based Yo Shui Marine Ltd and appears on sanctions lists maintained by the United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Ukraine.
TradeWinds noted the vessel has changed names and flags multiple times since 2024, previously registered under Panama, Guyana, and Comoros.
Maritime analysts have repeatedly warned that such ships pose a heightened environmental risk, as responsibility for cleanup in case of an oil spill remains unclear.
Earlier, at least five Russian shadow fleet tankers leaked oil into European waters over the past year, according to an October 6 investigation by Politico and SourceMaterial. The report linked the spills to poorly maintained, uninsured vessels operating beyond regulatory oversight, prompting European officials to warn of a growing environmental threat.
