UK Targets Arctic LNG Carrier, Five Oil Tankers in Latest Russia Sanctions Package

The United Kingdom has expanded its sanctions against Russia with a new package targeting shipping, banking, and industrial entities, including six vessels accused of transporting Russian energy exports and an India-based ship management company.

In a sanctions notice issued Thursday, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office announced 19 new designations under its Russia sanctions regime, adding ships, companies, banks, and an individual to the UK sanctions list.

The maritime measures are led by the designation of the LNG carrier Arctic Express (IMO 9333591), which the UK says has transported liquefied natural gas originating in Russia to third countries. The vessel, currently believed to be sailing under the Russian flag, is operated by SMP Tech Management LLP.

Also designated is Frion Ship Management LLP, a Mumbai-based ship management company that the UK alleges supported the sale of the Arctic Express into Russian ownership and control. The company is now subject to an asset freeze, trust services restrictions, director disqualification measures, and transport sanctions.

The UK also imposed shipping sanctions on five oil tankers that it says have carried Russian crude oil or petroleum products from Russia to third countries:

• Perseas (IMO 9326811), believed to be sailing under the San Marino flag.
• Torvian (IMO 9470131), believed to be registered in Barbados.
• Asteras (IMO 9402263), believed to be registered in Palau.
• Visund (IMO 9378864), believed to be registered in Palau.
• Zenturo (IMO 9346885), believed to be registered in Barbados.

Under the UK’s specified ship sanctions, the vessels are prohibited from entering UK ports, may be detained, cannot be chartered or operated by UK persons, and are subject to restrictions on a wide range of maritime services, including chartering, brokering, technical assistance, financial services, and crew services.

Beyond the shipping sector, the sanctions package includes Northern Engineering LLC, which the UK says operates in Russia’s strategically significant energy sector, four industrial companies accused of supplying goods or technology supporting Russia’s war effort, and five Russian financial institutions, including Ozon Bank and the Russian Export-Import Bank, which face asset freezes and correspondent banking restrictions.

The latest measures underscore the UK’s continued focus on disrupting the maritime networks that facilitate Russian energy exports. Since the invasion of Ukraine, London has increasingly used shipping-specific sanctions to target vessels, operators, and service providers involved in transporting Russian oil and LNG to global markets.

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