Shadow Fleet LNG Carriers Defy Sanctions at Arctic Terminals

Satellite imagery from August 9 captured renewed activity at Russia’s sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project, revealing at least one carrier loading liquefied natural gas at Utrenneye in the Gulf of Ob, with two more tankers nearby. The project—targeted by both EU and US sanctions—has been forced to scale back, yet recent operations point to a revival in shipments.

The vessels, originally named North Air, North Mountain, North Sky, and North Way, were reflagged to Russia and renamed earlier this year. Experts, including nautical science professor Norvald Kjerstad, confirm that the Voskhod and Zarya have been stationed in the Gulf of Ob since late July. Built in 2023–2024 with Arc4 ice class capability, the ships are designed for independent navigation in light ice conditions.

Notably, these ships do not appear in the Northern Sea Route Administration’s public registry, raising suspicions of state protection. A fifth vessel, North Valley, was observed drifting near Kildin Island in May.

Further west, satellite photos from July 18 show a tanker—likely the Arctic Metagaz—moored alongside the Saam FSU in Ura Bay, Murmansk. Both the FSU and tanker are sanctioned by the EU and US. Formerly the Norwegian Berge Everest, Arctic Metagaz has undergone four name changes since 2023 and sailed under seven different flags in the last two years.

Industry observers say these operations indicate Moscow’s determination to sustain Arctic LNG exports, with shipments poised to increase as sea ice retreats, potentially supplying Asia-Pacific buyers despite international pressure