UK Targets Russian LNG Vessels with New Sanctions

Britain has sanctioned five vessels and two entities involved in Russian LNG shipping, utilizing new legal powers for the first time. This action follows previous sanctions against Arctic LNG 2. Recently, the UK also targeted Russia’s 'shadow fleet' of oil vessels aimed at skirting Western restrictions.

Britain on Thursday sanctioned five vessels and two associated entities involved in the shipping of Russian LNG, marking the first use of new legal powers to directly target LNG vessels.

Earlier this year, the UK sanctioned Arctic LNG 2, with the government stating that the project has since been forced to reduce production. 'Today's action builds on this by targeting ships and entities involved in the Russian LNG sector, which engage with projects important to Russia's future energy production,' the government statement said.

The newly sanctioned entities include White Fox Ship Management and Ocean Speedstar Solutions OPC. The affected ships are Asya Energy, Pioneer, North Sky, SCF La Perouse, and Nova Energy. Earlier this month, Britain also sanctioned 10 additional ships in Russia's 'shadow fleet,' which allegedly avoid Western restrictions on Russian oil.

(With inputs from agencies.)