Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Reveals 20 Vessels Exporting Russian Oil and Gas Amid Sanctions Evasion

Identifying Ships Involved in the Export of Russian Energy Resources

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: Ukraine’s military intelligence has disclosed details on 20 maritime vessels actively exporting Russian crude oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas (LNG), while also servicing Russia’s sanctioned fleet. Among these are the PORTOVYY, AVACHA, and CHAIVO tankers, which play key roles in circumventing international sanctions, including shipments directed toward China. Additionally, 38 more vessels flying flags from various countries have been identified as part of Russia’s network to bypass global restrictions.

Profiles of Selected Vessels

• PORTOVYY (IMO 9246621) – A tanker designed for transporting and storing liquefied natural gas, owned by PJSC Gazprom since 2021. On August 15, 2026, PORTOVYY departed the Gulf of Finland for the first time since November 2021, carrying Russian LNG through the Northern Sea Route to the Chinese port of Beihai. The vessel is currently undergoing maintenance at Zhoushan Huafeng Shipyard on Zhoushan Island, China.
• AVACHA (IMO 9319404) – A conventional LNG tanker formerly owned by Chinese firm Jovo Energy. In early 2026, it was acquired by Tudor Maritime Ltd, registered in the Marshall Islands. Since June 2026, AVACHA sails under the Russian flag, managed by Cryoline Management LLC, and from August 2026 has been facilitating LNG exports from the Utrenneye terminal of the Arctic LNG 2 project to the Chinese hub in Beihai.
• CHAIVO (IMO 9319404) – Another LNG tanker, previously controlled by Greek company Maran Gas Maritime, also bought by Tudor Maritime Ltd. Since July 2026, it has been reflagged to Russia and is operated by Cryoline Management LLC. From August 2026, CHAIVO has transported cargo from the sanctioned floating storage unit KORYAK FSU near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Beihai port.

The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has identified an additional 38 vessels registered under flags from Barbados, Russia, Cameroon, Panama, Belize, Liberia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Tanzania, São Tomé and Príncipe, Hong Kong, and Palau. These ships are employed by Russia to evade international sanctions.

"These vessels form part of a logistics network exploited by the Kremlin to generate revenue that funds its genocidal war against Ukraine. All are currently subject to sanctions by the UK or Ukraine, with one also restricted by the United States,"

the intelligence agency reports.

As Russia strives to maintain crucial energy export revenues, it is not only building ice-class vessels at domestic shipyards but also systematically expanding its shadow fleet through offshore structures well in advance.

This intelligence underscores the critical need for vigilant monitoring and regulation of global maritime traffic that could facilitate sanctions evasion. The growth of Russia’s shadow fleet and its use of diverse national flags highlight ongoing efforts to sustain its economy despite international isolation. These developments pose significant challenges to global attempts to regulate energy supplies and ensure regional security.