Panama Revokes Flags on LNG Vessels Linked to Sanctions by US

Panama’s Maritime Authority has initiated the process of revoking flags on four LNG vessels that have been sanctioned by the United States due to their connections with Russian gas producer Novatek. The vessels in question, namely North Air, North Mountain, North Way, and North Sky, had been flying Panama’s flag while being identified as part of Russia’s dark tanker fleet in previous media reports cited by the authority.

The decision to cancel the flags on these vessels comes as a response to the sanctions imposed by the United States on entities linked to Novatek, as part of efforts to target Russia’s energy sector in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. By revoking the flags on these LNG vessels, Panama’s Maritime Authority is taking a stand against entities associated with Russian interests that are under scrutiny by international bodies.

This move highlights the importance of transparency and compliance in the maritime industry, particularly in ensuring that vessels flying a country’s flag adhere to international regulations and standards. Panama’s decision to cancel the flags on these sanctioned vessels underscores the need for vigilance in monitoring and addressing potential violations within the maritime sector, especially in the context of geopolitical tensions and sanctions targeting specific entities.

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