Russia Expands Shadow LNG Fleet Ahead of 2027 EU Ban
Russia is expanding its shadow fleet of liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers ahead of an EU ban on Russian LNG imports in 2027. At least eight second-hand LNG tankers have been sold and later used to carry Russian cargoes over the past six months, according to maritime data company Windward. The additions increased the fleet to 25 ships, including two vessels built at Russia's Zvezda shipyard.
The EU ban on Russian LNG imports is part of a broader effort to reduce Europe's dependence on Russian energy exports in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The shadow fleet is seen as a way for Moscow to continue exporting LNG despite the impending ban. The vessels are operated by Russia-linked shell companies in Dubai, Hong Kong, and Singapore, often using flags of convenience.
The tactics used by Russia's shadow LNG fleet resemble those used by its oil fleet but are harder to execute due to the specialized infrastructure required for LNG transport. Each vessel costs around $300 million to build and requires complex systems to keep gas liquid at minus 162 degrees Celsius.