In two years, 19 vessels affiliated with the Russian fleet under sanctions have called at Georgian ports

In 2024–2025, at least 19 oil and chemical tankers that may belong to the Russian “shadow fleet” entered Georgian ports.

This is stated in the investigation by iFact journalists, Ukrinform reports. Since the end of November 2025, investigators have been monitoring the movement of oil and chemical tankers entering the ports of Batumi, Kulevi, and Poti, and also analyzed archival port data for previous periods.

According to the results of the iFact analysis, 19 tankers that entered Georgian ports in 2024–2025 and meet the criteria typical of Russian shadow fleet vessels were identified.

In particular, the Midvolga-3 tanker has entered Georgian ports at least seven times since December 2021, the last time in June 2025 with a cargo of oil from the port of Azov. The commercial owner of Midvolga-3 and its sister ship Midvolga-2 is Mazk Management, while the tankers were previously owned by Middle Volga Shipping Company LLC, which Ukraine has imposed sanctions on. According to maritime monitoring, in 2024-2025, Midvolga-3 falsified coordinates and turned off AIS during voyages between Russian ports, occupied territories of Ukraine and international destinations.

Another tanker, Bavly, sailed between Russia, Georgia, temporarily occupied Crimea and the port of Azov, mainly calling at Batumi and regularly turning off AIS. During 2024, the vessel called at Georgian ports at least seven times. In September, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions against it for transporting Russian oil.

The tanker Karakuz entered Georgian waters on January 26, 2025, after turning off its navigation system and falsifying route data. Analysis of the vessel’s movements indicates that the actual point of departure was temporarily occupied Crimea, although the port of Azov was officially indicated. Karakuz, like Bavly, is owned by Nafta Invest and Ak Bars Leasing JSC and is under sanctions by Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

In addition, among the vessels that may be part of the Russian shadow fleet and called at Georgian ports during the specified period, journalists name Atlas Star, Waler, Nostos, Dumbledore, Jan, Scot Stuttgart, Akhty, Irtysh River, Don River, Gabdulla Tukay, Zaphira, Truvor, Altura, Aframax Riviera, Centar and Capibara.

Earlier, USM reported that the Russian oil export system is still adapting, in particular with the help of the “shadow fleet” and opaque routes.