Russia Builds Secret LNG Fleet Amid EU Sanctions Threat

Russia is rapidly expanding its fleet of liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers in response to stricter European Union sanctions set to take effect in 2027. According to maritime data, Moscow has added at least eight second-hand LNG tankers over the past six months, increasing Russia's shadow LNG fleet to 25 vessels.

The expansion of the shadow LNG fleet is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted exports despite tighter restrictions on Russian energy imports. Analysts say this strategy mirrors Russia's successful use of a much larger shadow oil fleet, allowing it to continue generating revenue while navigating international sanctions imposed over the war in Ukraine.

Building an alternative export network, Russia has accelerated investments in gas carriers to safeguard exports from key projects, including those in the Arctic region. The EU has gradually increased pressure on Russia's energy sector, and under the latest sanctions package, EU member states will stop importing Russian LNG beginning next year.