Russia Takes Control of Two Chinese Heavy-Lift Ships Used for Arctic LNG 2 Deliveries

Russia has taken control of two modern heavy-lift carriers previously involved in transporting equipment for the sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project, adding specialized project cargo vessels to an expanding network of shipping assets supporting the country’s Arctic energy ambitions.

The ownership change gives Moscow greater control over a critical part of the supply chain for its Arctic energy projects, from transporting construction modules to remote project sites to potentially delivering finished LNG infrastructure to future overseas customers. It also illustrates how Russia’s shadow fleet is evolving beyond the transportation of sanctioned oil and LNG into a more comprehensive logistics network supporting the entire lifecycle of its energy projects.

The vessels, Bright (IMO 9830769) and Glory (IMO 9934498), have reappeared on the Automatic Identification System (AIS) near Murmansk under the Russian flag, following changes in ownership and management to Russia’s Eco Shipping LLC, according to vessel records reviewed by gCaptain.

Equasis identifies Guangdong Nan Feng Shipping Co. as their previous owner. No information about the sale, its timing or financial terms has been made public. Neither vessel currently appears in the fleet listing on Eco Shipping’s website, although Equasis confirms the ownership changes.

The two vessels have a history of transporting oversized equipment for Arctic LNG 2. Glory previously sailed as Nan Feng Zhi Xing and Glory Ocean, while Bright has also operated under the names Zhi Xian Zhi Xing, Hunter Star and Bright Ocean. Both have been involved in transporting LNG project modules from China to Russia.

Earlier this year, the carriers delivered modules intended for the project’s third production train to Novatek’s LNG construction center at Belokamenka near Murmansk. In September, they returned to China and loaded two additional onshore power-generation (OPP) modules intended for the project’s second train.

The subsequent voyage to Arctic LNG 2 was conducted largely outside public tracking. The vessels switched off their AIS transponders while sailing north across the Pacific toward the Bering Strait in mid-September. They eventually delivered the modules to the Utrenniy terminal serving Arctic LNG 2 without broadcasting their positions. Both ships have since reappeared on AIS near Murmansk under their new Russian registration.

The future deployment of Bright and Glory remains unclear. At least seven additional modules intended for Arctic LNG 2’s third train remain in China, according to satellite imagery, with some appearing complete and others still under construction. The two carriers could potentially return to China to collect additional equipment.

Their new ownership could also open the door to other assignments supporting Russian LNG ambitions. Novatek has expressed interest in exporting its LNG technology and offshore platform concepts to international markets, including Africa and potentially Alaska. Heavy-lift carriers under Russian control could eventually transport modules from Belokamenka or other Russian facilities to overseas customers, rather than relying on foreign-owned vessels for such deliveries.

The development comes as two other Chinese heavy-lift carriers with connections to Russian Arctic shipping have attracted attention off Norway’s northern coast near Andøya.

One of them, Ya Qing Hai Yang, formerly known as Ocean 28, delivered a substation module from China to Arctic LNG 2 in 2024. The vessel, which encountered difficulties navigating ice-covered waters in the Chukchi Sea requiring assistance from Russian icebreakers and tugs, is sanctioned by the United States, European Union and United Kingdom.

The second vessel, Jian Yang Cheng He, has also been involved in voyages along the Northern Sea Route and has attracted scrutiny from Norwegian authorities. Norwegian authorities inspected both vessels after they appeared off the coast, with Ya Qing Hai Yang subsequently detained over deficiencies including an invalid flag registration and missing certificates.

The developments highlight how Russia’s shadow fleet is expanding beyond conventional oil tankers and LNG carriers. By bringing specialized heavy-lift vessels under domestic ownership and management, Moscow is gaining greater control over the transportation infrastructure required to sustain its Arctic energy projects, while reducing reliance on foreign-owned shipping companies.

The use of AIS-dark voyages has become a recurring feature of this trade, making independent monitoring of vessel movements and cargo deliveries considerably more difficult. Switching off AIS while navigating the Arctic is particularly concerning given the region’s remote operating environment and the importance of reliable vessel tracking for maritime safety.

Transparency surrounding Northern Sea Route operations has also deteriorated in recent years. Russian authorities no longer publish the daily operational shipping logs previously used to monitor traffic and have stopped making permit applications and granted permits publicly available.

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