EU Sanctions 41 More Vessels, Confirms LNG Exemption

The European Union has imposed sanctions on 41 additional vessels as part of its ongoing efforts to pressure Russia. The latest round of sanctions, the EU's 21st package, was confirmed by Brussels and includes a list of ships that service shadow fleet vessels.

Five bunkering tankers have been designated for their role in refueling already-sanctioned tankers. This move aims to limit Russian access to maritime services and prevent the circumvention of existing sanctions.

The package also confirms an exemption for European shipowners to transport Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to third countries. However, there are conditions: volumes cannot exceed those transported in 2025, and transfers must be part of a long-term contract signed before February 24, 2022.

The EU has also introduced new reporting requirements for owners selling LNG tankers to third parties, and the bloc will review the ban on LNG tanker sales to Russia by October 25, 2026.