Norway Detains Sanctioned Cargo Ship Linked to Russia’s Arctic LNG 2 Project
Norwegian authorities detained two cargo vessels off the country’s coast, including the sanctioned heavy-lift ship Ya Qing Hai Yang, which previously transported equipment for Russia‘s Arctic LNG 2 project, The Insider reported on October 19. The vessel was stopped by Norwegian authorities on October 14 and remained off the Norwegian coast as of October 19.
The Ya Qing Hai Yang, formerly known as Ocean 28, is designed to transport heavy cargo rather than oil or liquefied natural gas. However, The Insider noted its previous role in supporting Arctic LNG 2, Novatek’s natural gas project on Russia‘s Gydan Peninsula. In October 2024, the vessel transported power-generation modules from China to Russia’s Utrenny port, which serves the Arctic LNG 2 project. The vessel was later sanctioned over that activity.
Russian Shadow Fleet Evades Sanctions
Russia has used its shadow fleet of gas and oil tankers to evade sanctions, obscure ownership, and keep Russian oil and gas exports moving. The fleet has helped preserve energy revenues that feed the Kremlin’s war economy, allowing Moscow to continue financing its invasion of Ukraine despite Western restrictions.
Vessel’s Previous Activity Raises Concerns
The vessel was sailing under a Guatemalan flag. The Insider noted that Guatemala does not maintain a public ship registry and cited Lloyd’s List in classifying the flag as potentially false. According to Starboard Maritime Intelligence data reviewed by The Insider, Ya Qing Hai Yang was spotted several kilometers from the Norwegian border on the Russian side earlier in October after traveling from Hong Kong along the Northern Sea Route with several stops in Russia‘s Far East.
Detention of Second Vessel
A second vessel, Jian Yang Cheng He, was also stopped. The Chinese-flagged ship is not under sanctions, and no links to Russian energy projects have been established. Jian Yang Cheng He also departed Hong Kong in July and traveled along the Northern Sea Route before being detained near Norway, according to The Insider.
Western Governments Target Maritime Network
The detention comes as Western governments increasingly target the maritime network supporting Russia‘s Arctic LNG exports. Earlier in October, the UK sanctioned vessels acquired to help Moscow keep LNG revenues flowing despite restrictions, including newly built tankers intended for Arctic routes.
Original Article: Norway Detains Sanctioned Cargo Ship Linked to Russia’s Arctic LNG 2 Project — UNITED24 Media — United24Media