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Russia is intensifying efforts to bypass Western energy sanctions after a liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker operating under a newly adopted Russian flag was spotted loading fuel linked to the sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project. Ship-tracking data from Kpler, cited by Bloomberg, showed the LNG carrier Merkuriy docking near the Saam floating storage facility close to Murmansk in western Russia.
The Saam storage unit has been blacklisted by the United States and its allies because it handles cargo from Arctic LNG 2, a major Russian energy project targeted by sanctions aimed at reducing Moscow’s oil and gas revenues. The latest movement of the Merkuriy highlights growing concerns that Russia is building a “dark fleet” of LNG tankers designed to continue exports despite international restrictions.
Analysts note that the Merkuriy displays several warning signs commonly associated with shadow fleet operations. The vessel is relatively old for an LNG carrier and recently changed ownership to Celtic Maritime & Trading SA, a little-known company with minimal industry exposure. Before the transfer, the tanker was managed by Oman Ship Management Co.
The Merkuriy is reportedly one of four former Omani LNG vessels that recently switched to Russian registration and headed toward Arctic waters. Industry observers believe these ships could help Russia maintain LNG exports from Arctic LNG 2 despite mounting sanctions pressure from Western governments.
The developments come during a period of severe disruption in global energy markets. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has tightened energy supplies worldwide, impacting nearly 20% of global natural gas flows. As LNG prices surge, Asian buyers are increasingly seeking alternative energy sources, potentially creating new demand opportunities for Russian LNG exports despite ongoing sanctions.
The expansion of Russia’s shadow LNG fleet may further complicate global enforcement efforts while reshaping international natural gas trade routes in 2026.
