Thu Sep 26 12:31:17 UTC 2024: ## UK Sanctions Russian LNG Tankers, Targeting Arctic Exports
**LONDON** – The UK has imposed sanctions on five vessels and two entities linked to Russia’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, including tankers believed to have loaded at the country’s newest export facility in the Arctic region.
The move, announced on Thursday, targets the Pioneer and Asya Energy tankers, which were also sanctioned by the US last month. Both vessels previously loaded the first two shipments from the Arctic LNG 2 facility, which began operations despite US restrictions.
“Today’s action builds on efforts alongside allies to bear down on Russia’s attempts to bolster its future energy revenues,” a UK government statement read. The UK has now sanctioned 15 vessels and entities involved in the Russian LNG sector.
The sanctions highlight the pressure on Russia’s LNG ambitions despite the country remaining a major supplier to the European Union. While the UK has banned all Russian gas imports since the start of the Ukraine war, there is still no EU-wide ban on the fuel.
The Arctic LNG 2 project was itself sanctioned by the US in November 2023, even before it began operations. Buyers, including European entities, have been warned off purchasing gas from the plant due to potential sanctions risks.
In response to sanctions, Russia has been developing a “shadow fleet” of tankers to transport LNG, similar to its oil-related efforts. These vessels have opaque ownership, undisclosed insurance, and employ tactics such as turning off or manipulating their automatic identification systems to hide their location.
The Pioneer tanker, currently traveling south in the Red Sea after exiting the Suez Canal, remains under sanctions and its final destination is unknown.
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