Satellite images show Russian LNG vessel bypasses sanctions

Satellite images reveal a large vessel docked at Russia’s Arctic LNG export plant last week, potentially circumventing US sanctions.

Novatek PJSC, the facility’s operator, has not commented. The Sentinel 2 images do not confirm LNG loading, but the 280-metre vessel matches a typical LNG ship’s size. A visible flame at a nearby facility suggests gas flaring and increased LNG production.

“There is no doubt this is an LNG carrier,” said Mehdy Touil, LNG specialist at Calypso Commodities. “The large flare indicates a restart of the facility.”

The US sanctions, imposed in November, aimed to halt Arctic LNG 2 exports. While production began in December, no LNG has been shipped due to restrictions. These sanctions have significantly impacted Russia’s economy, prompting the creation of an alternative fleet.

The vessel, unregistered on Bloomberg tracking data, aligns with “dark fleet” behaviour, avoiding detection. An unknown Dubai company has gathered several such ships. Warmer summer weather has cleared the ice, easing navigation for traditional LNG vessels.

Attribution: Bloomberg