Archive · 18 Aug 2025
Russian LNG Tankers Sailing to Asia Amid US Sanctions
Several ships carrying Russian natural gas are heading to Asia from a plant that the US has sanctioned.
These ships come from the Arctic LNG 2 project in Siberia, part of Russia's plan to sell more gas after selling less to Europe.
The plant started loading again in June, but no gas has been delivered yet.
Some ships might have complex ownership to avoid sanctions.
This is happening while the US is trying to negotiate peace in Ukraine, making it tricky to enforce the sanctions.
Russian LNG tankers are sailing to Asia from a US-sanctioned Arctic facility.
At least four tankers have departed from the Arctic LNG 2 project in Siberia.
The Arctic LNG 2 plant aims to triple LNG exports by 2030.
The plant resumed loading cargoes in June, but no shipments have reached an import terminal yet.
US is seeking a ceasefire in Ukraine, affecting sanction enforcement.
- Who
- LNG tankers from the Arctic LNG 2 plant.
- What
- LNG tankers from a sanctioned Russian facility are heading to Asia.
- When
- Tankers began their journey on August 15.
- Where
- Asia, from the Arctic LNG 2 plant in Siberia.
- Why
- To export LNG and find buyers amid US sanctions and to diversify away from European dependence.
United States
Russia
Sanctions Enforcement
United States
Enforce sanctions on Russian energy exports.
Russia
Allow Russian energy exports.
- Facility
- Arctic LNG 2 plant in Siberia
- Vessels Involved
- At least four tankers, including Iris and Voskhod
- Primary Product
- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
- Destination
- Asia
- Status
- Loading resumed in June, no deliveries yet
- Owner
- Novatek PJSC
- Objective
- Triple LNG exports by 2030
