“70% of Oil Exports Go Through Ghost Ships”: Russia’s Phantom Fleet Delivers Sanctioned Arctic LNG to China

In recent years, geopolitical tensions have significantly influenced global energy markets, particularly following the imposition of price caps and maritime embargoes on Russian oil by Western nations. In response, Russia has strategically developed a “phantom fleet” to circumvent these restrictions, ensuring the continued flow of its energy exports to Asia. This clandestine network of vessels operates under flags of convenience and takes less monitored routes, highlighting the complex interplay between international sanctions and global energy demands. A recent instance of this dynamic is the docking of a Russian tanker in China, laden with liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Arctic LNG 2 project, underscoring Russia’s resilience in maintaining its energy trade with Asia.

The Strategic Role of the Phantom Fleet

The creation of Russia’s phantom fleet is a calculated response to Western sanctions aimed at crippling its energy exports. This fleet consists of older vessels, often poorly insured and operating under flags of convenience, making it difficult to track and regulate them. Approximately 70% of Russia’s maritime oil exports are now funneled through this shadowy network, as revealed by recent analyses. The effectiveness of these sanctions is thus called into question, as these ships manage to navigate around the restrictions, maintaining vital energy shipments to Asia.

Despite attempts by the United States to target these vessels with individual sanctions, the fleet’s dispersed ownership and reliance on shell companies make enforcement challenging. An illustrative example is the sanctioned tanker Voskhod, which successfully delivered its cargo to China, circumventing Western financial constraints. This case exemplifies the phantom fleet’s resilience and the broader implications for global energy security and economic stability.

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The Arctic LNG 2 Project: Navigating Sanctions

The Arctic LNG 2 project is a flagship initiative by the Russian energy company Novatek, aimed at tapping into Siberia’s abundant gas reserves. Despite being explicitly targeted by U.S. sanctions, the project has continued to send shipments to Asia. In July 2025, a tanker carrying 150,000 cubic meters of LNG departed from this project and arrived in China by early September. This delivery marked the second sanctioned vessel to reach Chinese shores, following the Arctic Mulan‘s arrival in late August.

The pace of these deliveries has notably increased, with multiple tankers loading LNG from the Arctic LNG 2 project within a short timeframe. This trend was confirmed by Yevgeny Ambrosov, Deputy CEO of Novatek, who publicly stated that the shipments had commenced. These developments highlight the ongoing efforts by Russia to maintain its energy exports amidst stringent international sanctions, leveraging its strategic partnership with China.

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China’s Pragmatic Energy Strategy

China’s reliance on imported oil and gas to fuel its industrial growth makes these shipments from Russia strategically significant. Despite the sanctions imposed by Washington, China’s consistent reception of sanctioned vessels underscores its pragmatic approach to ensuring energy security and strengthening ties with Moscow. This is evident in the timing of shipments coinciding with diplomatic engagements, such as the Russian president’s visit to China.

The rapid turnaround of the tanker that arrived on September 6, which departed the next day, signifies a discreet yet deliberate operation. This strategy reflects a coordinated effort between the two nations to bolster their energy cooperation in the face of Western opposition. As China continues to absorb diverted energy supplies, the effectiveness of Western sanctions remains a contentious issue.

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Western Sanctions and Their Limitations

The ability of Russia to find alternative markets for its energy exports, primarily in Asia, challenges the efficacy of Western sanctions. These measures, intended to exert economic pressure on Russia, have instead prompted a realignment of global energy trade routes. The role of the phantom fleet, supported by China’s logistical and diplomatic cooperation, exemplifies this shift.

While the sanctions have undoubtedly created obstacles for Russia, they have also highlighted the limitations of such measures in a globally interconnected market. The ongoing debate among Western capitals revolves around how to adapt these sanctions to effectively counter Russia’s evolving strategies. This geopolitical chess game continues to unfold, raising critical questions about the future of energy security and international diplomacy.

As the geopolitical landscape evolves, the interplay between sanctions, energy markets, and international relations will likely shape global dynamics for years to come. The resilience of Russia’s phantom fleet and China’s pragmatic energy strategy exemplify the complexities of these interactions. How will Western nations adapt their policies to address the challenges posed by this evolving global energy landscape?

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