European Union Expands Sanctions Against Russia-Backed Companies
The European Union has expanded its sanctions against Russian-backed companies, citing concerns over their involvement in high-risk maritime activities. The latest development comes as the EU Council published a decision on June 15, 2026, which adds nine individuals and 45 entities to the sanctions list.
According to the official gazette of the European Union, three Turkish shipping companies have been included in the sanctions list due to their provision of technical management services to vessels carrying Russian-origin petroleum products. The companies, East Gemi İşletmeciliği AŞ, EMT Gemi İşletmeciliği AŞ, and Trans KA Tankers Management, are accused of facilitating ship-to-ship (STS) transfer operations and manipulating Automatic Identification System (AIS) data.
East Gemi İşletmeciliği AŞ is specifically mentioned as the technical manager of three vessels – Azure, Jasper, and Storm Pearl – which allegedly lack adequate insurance coverage. The EU claims that these vessels are involved in high-risk maritime activities, as defined by the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) General Assembly Resolution A.1192(33).
Similarly, EMT Gemi İşletmeciliği AŞ is accused of providing technical management services to four vessels – Quartz, South Star, Opal, and another unnamed vessel – which also lack adequate insurance coverage and are involved in STS operations and AIS manipulation.
Trans KA Tankers Management is also included on the sanctions list for its alleged involvement in high-risk maritime activities. The EU claims that the company provides technical management services to vessels carrying Russian-origin petroleum products, without adequate insurance coverage or adherence to IMO guidelines.
The expanded sanctions list includes numerous international shipping companies, including those from the United Arab Emirates, Russia, Azerbaijan, Hong Kong, Belarus, and China. These companies are accused of facilitating high-risk maritime activities, including STS operations and AIS manipulation, which violate IMO guidelines.
The EU has emphasized that these sanctions are intended to target entities involved in high-risk maritime activities, rather than individual vessels or crew members. The decision is seen as a further effort by the European Union to impose economic pressure on Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine.
Original Article: AB, 3 Türk denizcilik şirketini yaptırım listesine aldı — Denizhaber (Turkish) | View English Translation