Russian Shadow Fleet Expands: 20 Vessels Identified by Ukrainian Defence Intelligence
The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence has published information on 20 seagoing vessels transporting Russian oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas, or bunkering sanctioned vessels. This was reported by the press service of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, according to UNN.
Among the identified vessels is the PORTOVYY (IMO 9246621), a tanker designed to transport and store liquefied natural gas (LNG). Since 2021, the vessel has been owned by the sanctioned PJSC “Gazprom” and serves as a floating gas storage facility within the “Portovaya” complex in the Leningrad region. On August 15, 2026, PORTOVYY left the waters of the Gulf of Finland for the first time since November 2021, sailing to the Chinese port of Beihai for unloading.
The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine is also publishing details about two new subjects in Russia’s shadow fleet of gas carriers. These vessels were hastily purchased around the world in spring 2026 through front structures:
Gas Carriers Join Russian Shadow Fleet
AVACHA (IMO 9319404) — a conventional gas tanker previously owned by China’s Jovo Energy, but bought by Tudor Maritime Ltd (Marshall Islands) in spring 2026. Since June 2026, it has sailed under the flag of the Russian Federation and been operated by LLC “Cryoline Management” (TIN 6500028647). Since August 2026, the vessel has facilitated the export of gas from the Utrenny terminal of the sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project to the Chinese hub of Beihai;
CHAIVO (IMO 9319404) — a gas carrier previously owned by Greece’s Maran Gas Maritime, but also purchased by Tudor Maritime Ltd. Since July 2026, the vessel has been transferred to the flag of the Russian Federation and placed under the umbrella of LLC “Cryoline Management”. Since August of this year, the gas carrier has transported cargoes to the port of Beihai from the sanctioned non-self-propelled floating gas storage facility KORYAK FSU, located in the waters of the port of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
Kremlin’s Efforts to Preserve Financial Revenues
In its efforts to preserve critically needed financial revenues from energy exports, the aggressor state of Russia is not only attempting to build ice-class vessels at its own shipyards but is also systematically and in advance expanding its shadow fleet through a network of offshore companies — the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine added.
Russia’s attempts to create a new “shadow fleet” of tankers aim to circumvent sanctions and preserve revenues from gas exports, which the Kremlin uses to finance the war against Ukraine.
Vessels Mentioned
- PORTOVYY (IMO: 9246621)
- CHAIVO (IMO: 9319404)
Original Article: The DIU has identified 20 more vessels of Russia’s shadow fleet that transport energy resources in circumvention of sanctions — Unn