Russia Expands Shadow Fleet for Sanctioned Arctic LNG Project

Russia has nearly doubled its shadow fleet servicing the sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project in less than a year, despite Western restrictions on liquefied natural gas exports.

An analysis of vessel-movement data shows that at least 20 tankers now service the Arctic LNG 2 complex and its associated infrastructure, with most having opaque ownership structures typical of the shadow fleet.

Russia is increasing the number of vessels to maintain liquefied natural gas exports despite Western restrictions. The country's energy trade with China remains strong, with Beijing being the only buyer of LNG from the sanctioned project.

The US and European sanctions against Arctic LNG 2 forced Russia to postpone plans to triple liquefied natural gas production by 2030. However, Moscow is developing maritime logistics to redirect supplies eastward and find new markets to replace European pipeline deliveries.