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Russia’s “Shadow Fleet” Is Growing Again—This Time With New Arctic LNG Tankers
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Russia is attempting to expand a new “shadow fleet” of tankers to circumvent British sanctions and maintain revenues from energy exports, The Telegraph reported on October 1, citing the UK Foreign Office.
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Moscow is believed to be expanding its network of civilian vessels used to transport fuel and generate revenue that helps finance Russia’s war against Ukraine. The reported effort includes at least two newly built tankers designed to transport liquefied natural gas (LNG) through the Arctic.
According to The Telegraph, the two vessels, each measuring approximately 984 feet in length, entered service earlier this year. Russia is also believed to have acquired several additional ships to strengthen the fleet as NATO countries increasingly seek to target vessels involved in sanctions evasion.
The UK government disclosed the reported expansion as it announced a new package of sanctions against Russia, including measures targeting vessels acquired to support Moscow’s energy exports.
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“The Russian state is attempting to build a dangerous new ‘shadow fleet’ to circumvent sanctions and sustain revenues from its gas exports,” the Foreign Office said.
“Today’s package targets several vessels acquired to support that effort, including some that entered service as recently as July this year. By targeting these ships, the UK is increasing pressure on a sector the Russian state sees as critical to its future revenues.”
As part of the package, the UK targeted eight vessels linked to Russia’s efforts to preserve LNG export revenues despite Western sanctions. They include three shadow fleet tankers, two vessels providing bunkering services, and three Russian-owned ice-class ships.
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The designated vessels will face shipping and trade restrictions, while sanctioned individuals and entities will be subject to asset freezes and other measures.
The UK measures come amid broader efforts to identify vessels allegedly supporting Russia’s sanctions-evasion network. On September 23, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR) identified 38 ships it said were involved in circumventing international sanctions, exporting Russian energy products, and supporting military logistics.
According to HUR, 28 of those vessels are involved in exporting Russian oil, petroleum products, and LNG, providing bunkering services to sanctioned shadow fleet tankers, and transporting Ukrainian grain from temporarily occupied territories.
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