Panama’s Maritime Authority began flag cancellation procedures following US sanctions targeting the LNG carriers’ Singapore based operators for their connections to Russian gas producer Novatek, and sanctions evasion.
Panama has begun procedures to cancel registration of four LNG carriers that are linked to Russian gas producer Novatek, according to the Panama Maritime Authority. The cancellation process started on 4 October ahead of Executive Decree No. According to the AMP, Executive Decree No. 512, issued on 18th October, authorizes expedited processes for such cases.
The authority notes that the vessels in question, North Air, North Mountain and North Way, were previously identified as being part of Russia’s dark fleet. The ships are owned Singapore-based LNG Alpha Shipping and LNG Beta Shipping.
On 30 October, the US had sanctioned “third country enablers” who supported Russia’s military and industrial base.
According to the US Department of State these companies are owned by New Transhipment FZE a Novatek subsidiary based in the UAE. Panama’s maritime authority claims that the “owners” allegedly tried to circumvent sanctions against the Arctic LNG 2 Project by using shell companies in foreign jurisdictions.
According to the War Sanctions Website by Ukraine‘s Main Directorate of Intelligence (MDI), the vessels are managed in the UAE by White Fox Ship Management FZCO, and are involved with transporting LNG from Russia’s Yamal LNG Project, despite originally being intended for the Arctic LNG 2 Project.
The intelligence agency notes these ice-class tanks received permission from Russian officials to operate in Northern Sea Route waters during summer 2024. The vessels were originally ordered by Japanese shipping firm NYK Lines, in collaboration with Russian state-owned Sovcomflot, before being transferred to Dubai’s White Fox Ship Management.
The AMP continues to monitor the Panamanian flagged merchant fleet, and promises to take action against any vessels that misuse it.
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