Albania Bars Tanker Linked to Putin Associate from Entering Port
Albania has taken a decisive step in its efforts to comply with international sanctions against Russia by barring the Hanuman tanker, part of Russia’s shadow fleet, from entering the port of Durrës. The vessel has links to Gennady Timchenko, a friend of Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
The decision was made after Ukrainian intelligence had previously identified the vessel as part of Russia’s shadow fleet. According to Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), on 29 August 2026, Albania barred the oil tanker Hanuman from entering the port of Durrës.
Hanuman’s Activities Under Close Monitoring
“The Hanuman has long been under close monitoring by Ukrainian military intelligence,” DIU said. The vessel’s routes ran from the port of Novorossiysk to Türkiye, Senegal and the UAE, and a transshipment area near the Italian city of Augusta. The Russian company Altoprae Marine, based in Novorossiysk, provided logistical support for these voyages.
Links to Sanctioned Russian Oligarch
Ukrainian intelligence said the company was founded and is managed by a senior executive linked to sanctioned Russian oligarch Gennady Timchenko, a close associate of Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The company is known for regularly servicing “shadow fleet” tankers, including the Eventin, which is subject to sanctions imposed by the EU, Switzerland, the US, the UK, Canada and Ukraine.
Circumventing International Sanctions
The vessels switch off their tracking systems, carry out dangerous manoeuvres and generally fail to meet modern environmental standards. By using high-risk and deceptive shipping practices, the shadow fleet helps the Kremlin circumvent international sanctions and “channel profits from oil sales into fuelling Russia’s war machine”.
Background: Russian Shadow Fleet Operations
It was previously reported that the Russian and Iranian shadow fleets continue to use fake websites to produce forged documents and imitate ship registries, maritime authorities and seafarers’ organisations in African countries. The EU has authorised military personnel in the Mediterranean involved in Operation Irini, which aims to prevent illegal arms shipments to Libya, to also inspect tankers suspected of transporting Russian oil.
Consequences for Hanuman
The decision by Albania to bar the Hanuman tanker from entering its port is a significant blow to Russia’s efforts to circumvent international sanctions. The move highlights the importance of cooperation between countries in enforcing these sanctions and preventing the illegal transportation of oil.
Original Article: Albania bars tanker linked to Putin associate from entering port — Ukrainska Pravda