A recent publication by Shipatlas reveals that several sanctioned LNG carriers have recently been granted permission to navigate Russia’s Northern Sea Route this summer. This group includes vessels from last year’s so-called “shadow fleet,” such as Arctic Metagas (formerly Everest Energy) and Arctic Mulan (previously Mulan), along with reflagged ships like Iris (formerly North Sky), Buran (ex-North Air), Voskhod (ex-North Mountain), and Zarya (ex-North Way). In total, nearly 30 LNG carriers are set to traverse these arctic waters in the upcoming months, including at least six conventional gas tankers lacking ice-class capabilities.
Interestingly, while a significant portion of the fleet operates without sanctions—legally transporting liquefied gas from the Yamal LNG project—around a dozen sanctioned vessels may be gearing up to load cargoes at the nearby Arctic LNG 2 facility. Last summer, Novatek, which holds a majority stake in the plant, successfully loaded eight cargoes but struggled to find buyers for them.
Some of these shadow fleet carriers have resorted to dubious tactics like disabling their AIS transponders and faking their locations in an effort to reach the plant unnoticed. However, these maneuvers were thwarted when U.S. authorities swiftly imposed sanctions on five vessels that managed to load gas there.
The recent issuance of permits for shadow fleet LNG carriers hints at renewed efforts this summer for loading supercooled gas at Arctic LNG 2. This comes on the heels of increased activity at the facility itself; reports indicate that its second production line has recently completed initial startup procedures.
Moreover, movements by shadow fleet vessels suggest they might be preparing for new delivery attempts. For instance, after navigating through the Suez Canal, Arctic Mulan made its way across the Indian Ocean towards FSU Koryak—potentially aiming to collect previously offloaded LNG from other shadow fleet ships.
Kjell Eikland, managing director of Eikland Energy AS—a data analytics firm—commented earlier this week that “this seems like an initial move for what could become a ten-ship operation known as ‘Arctic LNG 2 Dark Fleet’ readying itself for action along Siberia’s coasts.” He also noted that last year Novatek offered discounts exceeding 30% to attract buyers and hinted that similar incentives could be expected this year.
In another development, Nova Energy—a sanctioned vessel—has departed Nakhodka Bay anchorage possibly aiming for an initial delivery run. To accommodate new shipments aboard its two vessels FSU Koryak and Saam, Novatek will need to clear out last year’s cargoes first.
Simultaneously occurring, two other shadow fleet ships remain docked at a Zhoushan shipyard: Sputnik Energy (formerly Pioneer) and East Energy (previously Asya Energy). The four ex-North Series vessels are still positioned in Barents Sea waters; with their Arc4 ice-class designation allowing them potential access as early as next month. However, it will take about six more weeks before non-ice-class ships can safely navigate eastern sections of Russia’s Northern Sea Route; those without ice-class typically wait until August before setting sail.
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