A liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker currently under U.S. sanctions is making its way to a significant Russian export terminal. The vessel, named Iris, was previously known as North Sky and faced U.S. sanctions in 2023. According to shipping data from Bloomberg, the tanker is headed to Sabetta, a remote port in northern Siberia that functions as the hub for the Yamal LNG export terminal. It is expected to arrive by June 26.
Yamal LNG, which is Russia's largest LNG export facility, continues to supply natural gas to Europe. Although the plant operates without direct sanctions, loading gas onto a sanctioned vessel like the Iris could draw fresh scrutiny from the U.S. and its allies. To date, both the U.S. and Europe have avoided imposing sanctions directly on Yamal LNG to ensure stable gas supplies to European markets.
As per the global shipping database Equasis, the Iris switched its ship management in April to a Russian company named ELEGEST OOO. This change reflects a growing trend where vessels under sanctions or part of shadow fleets change ownership or management to keep operating globally. It remains uncertain whether the Iris will dock at Yamal and take on cargo. There's also a chance it might continue south to another Russian LNG facility, Arctic LNG 2, which was also sanctioned by the U.S. in 2023. Arctic LNG 2 has not shipped anything since October.
The earlier sanctions targeted the Arctic LNG 2 plant and several ships thought to be part of Russia's shadow fleet, as the previous U.S. administration aimed to curb Moscow's energy export growth. Despite these efforts, many foreign energy buyers have been reluctant to engage with LNG from sanctioned sources, further constraining the global market for blacklisted Russian gas.
Novatek PJSC, the Russian company behind the Yamal LNG project, has not responded to inquiries regarding the Iris's journey or whether the vessel would be permitted to load at the terminal.
Disclaimer: The information contained on this website is for general knowledge purposes only. While we strive to keep the information up to date and accurate, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the site or the information, products, services, or related images contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including, without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from the loss of data or profits arising out of or in connection with the use of this website.
