The European Union on Monday expanded its sanctions regime against Russia, targeting the shipping-linked operations of energy giants Gazprom and Lukoil as part of a fresh package aimed at curbing Moscow's energy revenues and disrupting the so-called shadow fleet, according to Splash247.
Targets and Entities
EU governments added 34 individuals and 47 entities to the sanctions list, with several measures focused on vessels and companies involved in transporting Russian crude oil and petroleum products. Among the most notable maritime-related additions are Gazprom, listed as the technical manager of two vessels, and Lukoil-Western Siberia, identified as the commercial operator of three ships.
The latest measures also target 24 entities and associated vessels accused of supporting Russian oil exports through shadow fleet networks. The companies span multiple jurisdictions, as shown in the table below:
| Country | Role |
|---|---|
| Russia | Home of Gazprom, Lukoil-Western Siberia, and many shadow fleet entities |
| UAE | Base for several sanctioned shipping companies |
| Türkiye | Location for some entities facilitating oil transport |
| Hong Kong | Jurisdiction for vessels involved in shadow fleet activities |
| Azerbaijan | Another jurisdiction with targeted entities |
| Liberia | Flag state for some shadow fleet tankers |
Shadow Fleet Practices
According to the European Council, the vessels have been involved in practices including ship-to-ship transfers, manipulation of AIS transmissions, and operations without adequate liability insurance. These tactics are commonly used to evade sanctions and disguise the origin of Russian oil cargoes.
Specific Individuals Targeted
The sanctions package also names Tahir Garayev, founder of Coral Energy, later rebranded as 2Rivers Group, and maritime insurance broker Konstantin Rogach. Brussels alleges that Coral Energy and related networks control a significant portion of the shadow fleet, while insurance services have facilitated vessel operations and Russian energy exports.
Broader Context and Future Packages
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the measures continue to target Russia’s military-industrial complex, energy revenues, and support networks, while work is already under way on a broader 21st sanctions package. This indicates that the EU intends to further tighten restrictions on Russian energy exports and the companies enabling them.
For importers, exporters, and trade policy professionals, these sanctions mean increased due diligence obligations when dealing with vessels, insurance brokers, or companies linked to the listed entities. Any involvement with the designated individuals or firms could result in severe penalties. The targeting of technical managers and commercial operators of vessels also signals a shift toward holding the operational backbone of the shadow fleet accountable.
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