Russia Bolsters Shadow LNG Fleet as EU Sanctions Loom

Russia is expanding its shadow fleet of liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers as it prepares for stricter European Union sanctions set to take effect in 2027. According to maritime data, Russia has added eight second-hand LNG carriers and two newly built vessels from the Zvezda shipyard to its fleet.

The expansion is part of a strategy to continue exporting LNG despite growing restrictions on Russian energy exports. Unlike oil tankers, LNG carriers are highly specialized and expensive to build, making it challenging for Russia to expand its shadow fleet.

Russia's shadow LNG fleet has grown to 25 vessels, with many owned by shell companies registered in jurisdictions such as Dubai, Hong Kong, and Singapore. These ships use complex ownership structures designed to reduce reliance on Western financial and shipping services.