The UK government has announced new sanctions targeting Russia’s Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) sector on 26 September. The sanctions include five vessels and two entities involved in the shipping of Russian LNG, including from Russia’s flagship Arctic LNG 2 project, according to the British Government‘s report.

This marks the first time the UK has used its new ship specification power to directly target LNG vessels. The action builds on previous efforts alongside allies to limit Russia’s attempts to bolster its future energy revenues, which the UK government describes as “the most critical source of funding for Putin’s war in Ukraine.”

The UK government stated that Russia aims to grow its global LNG market share from 8% to 20%. Earlier this year, the UK, US, and EU sanctioned the Arctic LNG 2 project, which has since been forced to reduce production.

The vessels sanctioned are:

• PIONEER (IMO 9256602)
• ASYA ENERGY (IMO 9216298)
• NOVA ENERGY (IMO 9324277)
• NORTH SKY (IMO 9953523)
• SCF LA PEROUSE (IMO 9849887)

Additionally, two entities associated with the vessels have been sanctioned:

• OCEAN SPEEDSTAR SOLUTIONS OPC – The operator and manager of PIONEER and ASYA ENERGY
• WHITE FOX SHIP MANAGEMENT – The operator and manager of NORTH SKY

The UK government noted that ships specified under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 are prohibited from entering UK ports, may be given movement or port entry directions, can be detained, and will be refused permission to register on the UK Ship Register or have existing registrations terminated.

With these new sanctions, the UK has now sanctioned a total of 15 vessels and entities involved in the Russian LNG sector. The government stated its intention to continue pressuring this important source of funding for Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Related:

• Russia doesn’t have endless resources, its economy nearing tipping point, expert says
• British Defense Ministry: Russia raises gas prices for households to increase revenues
• EU adopts 14th sanctions package against Russia, targeting Russia’s LNG and cracking down on circumvention
• Will Spain and France choose EU solidarity over Russian LNG profits?
• Reuters: Russia’s gas ambitions hit snag as sanctions force Arctic LNG 2 to suspend operations
• US sanctions deep freeze Russia’s Arctic-2 LNG hub. Here’s what can kill it for good
• FT: Türkiye aims to reduce reliance on Russian gas with US LNG deal