Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker Under Ukrainian Sanctions Catches Fire Near Sochi
The AFRAMAX RIO oil tanker, sailing under the Liberian flag and listed under Ukrainian sanctions as part of Russia’s shadow fleet, has caught fire off the coast of Sochi.
According to Ukrinform, this was reported by the Astra Telegram channel. The AFRAMAX RIO (IMO: 9273844) is a large crude oil tanker capable of carrying 95,000-100,000 tonnes of oil, or approximately 700,000-750,000 barrels. It is not included on the EU or Ukraine’s allies’ sanctions lists, but it was added to Ukraine’s sanctions list by a decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine dated February 12, 2026, along with 90 other Russian shadow fleet vessels.
Vessel Operations and Ownership
The vessel is owned by RIO ENTERPRISES SA, registered in the Marshall Islands. Its operations and chartering were carried out through international operator Navig8 Group of Singapore and Greek management companies, including Hellenic Tankers Co Ltd. The tanker left the port of Tuzla, Türkiye, on September 11, 2026, and headed for the port of Constanța, Romania.
Recent Activity and Route
According to MarineTraffic, the tanker made an intermediate anchorage stop in Samsun, Türkiye, departing on September 19 and arriving in Constanța on September 22. The website does not show any calls at Russian Black Sea ports. The last position was recorded 23 hours ago, when the tanker was approximately 15 kilometers from Sochi.
Sanctions-Evasion Activities
Between 2024 and 2026, the tanker repeatedly transported oil from Russian ports. Most frequently, it sailed from Ust-Luga, but it also loaded oil in Novorossiysk and Taman. Its listed destinations include India, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia. Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate identified another 38 vessels flying the flags of Barbados, Russia, Cameroon, Panama, Belize, Liberia, Sri Lanka, Türkiye, Tanzania, São Tomé and Príncipe, Hong Kong, and Palau that are used by Russia to circumvent international sanctions.
Conclusion
The AFRAMAX RIO oil tanker’s recent fire off the coast of Sochi highlights the ongoing issue of Russian shadow fleet vessels evading international sanctions. As Ukraine continues to work with its allies to disrupt these activities, it is essential to monitor and report on these developments to ensure accountability and transparency in global energy trade.
Vessels Mentioned
- AFRAMAX RIO (IMO: 9273844)
Original Article: Russian shadow fleet tanker under Ukrainian sanctions catches fire near Sochi — Ukrinform