Glasgow Company Questioned Over ‘Russian Shadow Fleet’ Tanker Connection
A Glasgow-based shipping company has been questioned after a ship allegedly linked to Russia’s shadow fleet docked in Europe for maintenance.
The Rudolf Samoylovich flies under the flag of the Bahamas but is named for a Soviet polar explorer and is one of 35 foreign-flagged vessels authorized by the Kremlin to transport liquefied natural gas (LNG). Under the Russian Merchant Shipping Code, which came into force in December 2018, only Russia-flagged vessels can transport hydrocarbons produced in the country.
Russian Shadow Fleet Exploits Loopholes
In March 2019, however, the cabinet gave approval for named foreign vessels to carry such products from the Arctic port of Sabetta. The order, which was amended on February 1 last year, features the Rudolf Samoylovich among those allowed to ship Russian LNG as part of the Yamal LNG project.
The project’s Arc7 tankers are specially built to operate in Arctic ice and are central to keeping Russian LNG cargoes moving to international markets. The Rudolf Samoylovich was added to Ukraine’s sanctions list in late 2025 but has not been sanctioned by the UK or EU.
Seapeak Maritime’s Involvement Raises Concerns
The Rudolf Samoylovich is managed by Seapeak Maritime (Glasgow) Ltd and owned by a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the Marshall Islands. Its security manager is Seapeak Martime Ltd, which is based in the Bahamas. Martin Rhodes, Labour MP for Glasgow North, where Seapeak Maritime is based, said: “It is concerning to read reports that a shipping business with an office here in Glasgow is involved in managing a vessel serving Russia’s Arctic LNG trade and that it is being maintained in Europe so it can continue carrying cargoes that help sustain Russian revenues.”
Sanctions Campaigners Call for Action
Sebastian Rötters, Sanctions Campaigner at Urgewald, said: “Seapeak and Fayard cannot pretend this is just ordinary shipping business. The Arc7 fleet is the logistical backbone of Russia’s Arctic LNG trade, and every vessel kept in service helps preserve one of the Kremlin’s most strategically important energy projects.” Vladyslav Vlasiuk, advisor to the commissioner of the President of Ukraine for Sanctions Policy said: “Arctic LNG projects, particularly Yamal LNG, are among the Kremlin’s most important sources of wartime revenue. The Yamal project alone accounts for more than 60% of Russia’s total LNG exports.”
Calls for EU Action
European technology must not be used to sustain Russia’s war machine. Seapeak has been contacted for comment. In January a Russian-flagged tanker, the Marinera , was seized by U.S. authorities in an effort to disrupt Russia’s energy trade.
Original Article: Glasgow company questioned over ‘Russian shadow fleet’ tanker connection — Yahoo