Sanctioned gas tanker heads to Russian plant supplying LNG to Europe
25.06.2025 - 12:50
The sanctioned gas carrier Iris is heading to the Yamal LNG export terminal, with its destination set at Sabetta, Russia.
The vessel’s arrival by June 26 could pose a challenge for the West, Bloomberg reported, as loading fuel onto a sanctioned vessel could spark further discussion about restrictions.
It is unclear whether the Iris tanker will dock in Yamal, load fuel, or continue south to the Arctic LNG-2 plant, which the US has sanctioned in 2023.
The gas carrier appears to be heading to Russia’s Yamal LNG, defying the West, which has so far avoided imposing restrictions on the export plant.
According to ship tracking data compiled by Bloomberg, the Iris, formerly known as North Sky, was hit by US sanctions last year. The vessel’s destination is Sabetta in northern Siberia, home to the Yamal LNG export terminal. The vessel is expected to arrive by June 26.
Yamal LNG, Russia’s largest liquefied natural gas export plant, continues to ship to Europe.
Loading fuel onto a sanctioned vessel could leave the plant vulnerable to Western restrictions. The US and Europe have avoided sanctions against Yamal LNG to ensure supplies to the European market.
In April, the Iris changed its ship manager to the Russian company Elegest LLC.
