UK Takes Action to Limit Russia's Future Liquified Natural Gas Plans

Image by Vilius Kukanauskas/Pixabay

EUROPE, UK. On September 26, 2024, the UK government announced sanctions on five ships and two entities associated with the Russian Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) sector. This marks a significant escalation in the UK's efforts to disrupt Russia's energy revenue, a crucial funding source for President Vladimir Putin’s ongoing military operations in Ukraine.

This initiative represents the UK's inaugural use of its new maritime specification powers to target LNG-carrying vessels directly. The decision is part of a coordinated strategy with international allies aimed at curbing Russia's ambitions to enhance its energy revenues, which have been pivotal in financing its illegal actions in Ukraine.

Among the sanctioned vessels are those linked to Russia's flagship Arctic LNG 2 project, a critical component of its plans to increase its global LNG market share from 8% to 20%. Earlier this year, in collaboration with the United States and European Union, the UK previously sanctioned the Arctic LNG 2 project, leading to significant reductions in its production capacity. Today’s sanctions expand on those prior efforts by directly targeting vessels and entities crucial to Russia's LNG operations, impeding the country’s ability to augment its energy production capabilities.

With these latest measures, the UK has imposed sanctions on 15 ships and entities involved in the Russian LNG sector. The targeted vessels include:

PIONEER (IMO 9256602)
ASYA ENERGY (IMO 9216298)
NOVA ENERGY (IMO 9324277)
NORTH SKY (IMO 9953523)
SCF LA PEROUSE (IMO 9849887)
Additionally, the following entities responsible for managing and operating these vessels have also 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.
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Under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, sanctioned ships are barred from entering UK ports, may face movement or entry direction orders, can be detained, and will be prohibited from registering or retaining their current registration on the UK Ship Register.

The UK remains committed to taking firm actions against vital sources of funding fuelling Putin’s aggressive actions in Ukraine, demonstrating its ongoing resolve in support of Ukraine and global security.