A Chinese cargo ship ran aground off Sakhalin Island, prompting high alert in the Nevelsky district. The An Yang 2, carrying fuel oil, diesel fuel, and coal, is stranded in shallow waters. Governor Limarenko emphasized the need for readiness, with rescue efforts delayed by stormy weather. The incident adds to the ongoing territorial dispute in the region.
Russia has declared a state of emergency in Crimea after an oil spill in the Black Sea last month. Workers are clearing contaminated sand and soil, with over 86,000 metric tons removed. The spill involved heavy fuel oil, with cleanup efforts extending to the Kuban region. Environmental groups report deaths of marine animals.
The first Russian-built ice-class LNG carrier, Alexey Kosygin, has started sea trials, signaling Russia’s push to increase its global LNG market share despite US sanctions. The tanker, part of the Arctic LNG 2 fleet, faces challenges due to sanctions. Additional tankers are planned, but construction has been hindered by geopolitical tensions.
A Russian cargo ship, the Ursa Major, sank in the Mediterranean Sea after an engine room explosion. Two crew members are missing. The ship, owned by Oboronlogistika, was en route to Vladivostok with harbor cranes. The cause of the explosion is unknown. The incident raises concerns about Russian cargo ship safety at sea.
The European Union has expanded sanctions against Iran for supporting Russia in the Ukraine conflict. Added to the list are IRISL and Mohammad Reza Khiabani. Sanctions target ports transporting Iranian UAVs and missiles. Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization denies accusations. EU also sanctions Russian shipping companies aiding Iran in supplying weapons.
Chinese heavy-lift ships Ocean 28 and Nan Feng Zhi Xing push through thickening ice on the Northern Sea Route to deliver a power plant to a Russian LNG project. Facing delays due to storms and deteriorating ice conditions, their journey highlights the risks and challenges of Arctic shipping, raising safety concerns.
Russia and India are set to collaborate on constructing four non-nuclear icebreakers, with a projected cost of $713 million. The vessels will bolster Rosatom’s fleet in the Northern Sea Route. India, through talks with state-owned and private shipyards, aims to strengthen ties with Russia amid supply chain disruptions caused by Western sanctions.
The summer shipping season on Russia’s Northern Sea Route is ending early due to winter ice forming sooner than expected. Ships must hurry to complete their transits before the route closes in three weeks. A near-disaster in October 2021 prompted this early shutdown to ensure safe passage for vessels navigating the Arctic waters.
An Antigua-flagged civilian ship in Odessa port was hit by a Russian missile, causing damage to both the vessel and port infrastructure. Four people were injured in the attack. The Iskander-M ballistic missile used is known for its high speed and long range. This incident adds to the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the risks faced by civilian ships in the region.
Novatek, a Russian LNG producer, defied Western sanctions by sending the Everest Energy tanker through the Northern Sea Route. Despite lacking proper permits and sailing under a defunct flag, the vessel completed the journey to Asia. This risky move showcases Russia’s determination to market LNG in the face of sanctions and challenges in international shipping.
Palau suspends flags of Russian LNG tankers, halting operations due to AIS signal tampering. Investigation shows potential cargo losses and challenges for Novatek. Delays impact marketing efforts and finding buyers for sanctioned cargo from Arctic LNG 2 project. Complexity and restrictions in LNG shipping industry highlighted. Shadow fleet remains inactive in Russian waters.
Two Chinese container ships are navigating the Arctic’s Northeast Passage to connect Chinese ports with European destinations. The Arctic Route offers a shortcut to avoid the Red Sea’s turbulent waters, with icebreaker escort required in some regions. New Shipping Line operates the vessels, planning expansion in the Arctic.
Houthi fighters in Yemen have targeted more merchant ships carrying Russian goods compared to products from any other country, despite assurances of safe passage. Russian-owned ships remain unharmed, but international vessels transporting Russian cargo face increased risks. The Houthis’ promises coincide with falling insurance costs, particularly for Chinese ships.
A new round of US sanctions targets owners of LNG tankers at a South Korean shipyard intended for Novatek’s Arctic LNG project. Sanctions complicate shipping operations further. Elixon Shipping, Azoria Shipping, and Glorina Shipping, based in Cyprus, face sanctions. Novatek faces challenges securing transportation capacity for its Arctic LNG 2 plant.
The U.S. government is spending over $7 million annually to maintain a seized superyacht from a sanctioned Russian oligarch, urging a judge to auction it off. Fiji confiscated the $300 million, 348-foot yacht, challenging ownership claims from another Russian figure. Prosecutors argue for an auction while the dispute is unresolved, with potential proceeds going to Ukraine.
