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Russia Reportedly Restarts Sanctioned Arctic LNG Exports Using New Shadow Gas Carrier
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A newly deployed Russian LNG carrier has reportedly begun operating at Russia’s Arctic LNG 2 project, a major natural gas facility that remains under US sanctions.
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According to The Insider on May 12, the LNG tanker Mercury was identified near the Arctic LNG 2 terminal, suggesting renewed export activity from the project despite ongoing Western restrictions targeting Russia’s energy sector and LNG shipping network.
The vessel, operating under the name Mercury, was reportedly observed in satellite imagery and maritime tracking data linked to the sanctioned facility. The ship may be part of Russia’s efforts to restore logistics chains for Arctic LNG exports after previous sanctions disrupted access to foreign-built gas carriers and insurance services.
The Arctic LNG 2 project, led by Russian energy company Novatek, is located on the Gydan Peninsula in the Russian Arctic. The facility was placed under US sanctions in 2023 as part of broader measures targeting Russia’s energy revenues following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
According to The Insider, Russia has continued searching for alternative shipping solutions after sanctions limited the availability of specialized ice-class LNG carriers required for Arctic operations. Western restrictions have also targeted companies involved in financing, insuring, and servicing vessels connected to the project.
The publication noted that the appearance of a new tanker near Arctic LNG 2 may indicate attempts to resume exports despite logistical and financial pressure from sanctions. Previous reports by Reuters and Bloomberg stated that the project had faced repeated delays due to shortages of sanctioned equipment and limited access to transport capacity.
Arctic LNG 2 is considered one of Russia’s largest long-term energy projects and a key part of Moscow’s strategy to expand LNG exports to Asian markets. However, sanctions imposed by the US and its allies have significantly complicated the project’s commercial operations and international partnerships.
Earlier, BBC Verify reported that nearly 200 vessels linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet” entered British waters between March and May 2026 despite UK sanctions enforcement measures announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Most of the tracked ships were oil tankers operating under foreign flags, limiting Britain’s ability to seize or intercept them under international maritime law.
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