The UK and Japan have intensified their sanctions against vessels linked to Sovcomflot, Russia's largest shipping company. The UK is focusing on new LNG carriers, while Japan is targeting oil tankers. Notably, the UK has started sanctioning vessels before they even begin trading, indicating a shift in enforcement strategy.
On October 1, the UK added 31 entries to its Russia sanctions list, including eight vessels and Novatek Gas and Power Asia. Among the sanctioned ships are three new Russian-built Arc7 ice-class carriers and three older conventional carriers. Japan followed with sanctions on 35 vessels, primarily crude tankers, and asset freezes on 33 Russian entities and nine individuals.
Kpler data shows that Arctic LNG 2 has exported 0.95 million tonnes of LNG in 2026, almost double the 2025 total. The sanctions are targeting an export system that is already operational, with most exports moving on less specialized ships. The newly sanctioned Zvezda-built ships are second-generation Arc7 carriers designed for year-round navigation in the Northern Sea Route.
The sanctions highlight the growing importance of the specialized fleet for Russia's LNG exports. With South Korean shipbuilders traditionally holding much of the expertise, Russia's Zvezda yard is now the primary builder of Arc7 carriers. The ability of Chinese yards to build these vessels remains untested.