More sanctioned ‘shadow tankers’ along Norwegian Arctic coast
Several of the tankers listed on the EU’s new 17th sanctions package against Russia are sailing along the northern coasts of Norway.
The 17th package of sanctions against Russia is aimed at cutting off Russia’s access to key military technology and curbing Russia’s energy revenues that fuel its war of aggression against Ukraine, the EU Council emphasised in its announcement on May 20.
“This round of sanctions on Russia is the most wide-sweeping since the start of the war, together with new hybrid, human rights, and chemical weapons-related sanctions,” said Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
“While Putin feigns interest in peace, more sanctions are in the works. Russia’s actions and those who enable Russia face severe consequences. The longer Russia persists with its illegal and brutal war, the tougher our response will be,” she added.
Total number of sanctioned ships now 342
On the list of new sanctions are another 189 vessels of the ‘shadow fleet’ that brings Russian oil to international markets. The total number of sanctioned ships now amounts to 342. Most of them sail under third country flags of convenience.
Among the ships included in the 17th sanctions package are at least seven tankers currently located along Norwegian coast, including in Arctic waters.
The Arabesca is one of them. The 244 meter long oil tanker was on May 21 sailing north of the North Cape with course for Murmansk. It is 20 years old and sails under the flag of Cook Islands. It reportedly set out from the Oman port of Duqm on April 21.
According to the EU Council, the tanker “practices irregular and high-risk shipping practices.”
In the wake of the Arabesca sails LNG carrier Arctic Metagas. The vessel is on its way from Alexandria, Egypt, and will pick up LNG in the waters outside Murmansk.
The original name of the carrier was Berge Everest. It sailed under Norwegian flag and was originally owned and operated by the Norwegian company Bergesen. Since 2023, it has changed name four times. According to ship information system Equasis, it got the name Arctic Metagas in April 2025.
In 2024, the carrier was involved in the shipment of LNG from the sanctioned Russian project Arctic LNG 2.
Over the last 2 years, the Arctic Metagas has sailed under seven different flag states. Since April 2025, it has sailed under Russian flag.
Murmansk is a key port for export of Russian oil and sanctioned tankers frequently visit the far northern city. Now waiting to load oil in the port is the Raven, a 24 year-old tanker sailing under the flag of Barbados. The Raven was also included in the latest sanctions package.
“EU sanctions remain at the core of the EU’s response to Russia’s unjustified military aggression against Ukraine. They have a clear objective – to undermine Russia’s ability to finance and sustain its war against Ukraine. Economic data clearly indicates that EU sanctions are working,” the EU Commission says in a statement.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Canada, U.S. and Finland form pact to build icebreakers for Arctic, CBC News
Norway: Hybrid-powered electric cruise ship navigates Northwest Passage, CBC News
Russia: Significant progress in China-Russia talks on Arctic shipping:Kremlin, The Independent Barents Observer
United States: U.S. regulator eyes Arctic shipping chokehold as key deadline approaches, Eye on the Arctic
