EU Imposes Sanctions Against Ships Carrying LNG From Russia's Yamal LNG Plant

• 21.05.2025, 11:37

The ships are operated by a Tokyo-based company.

The European Union has imposed sanctions on three ships that helped transport cargo from Russia's Yamal LNG plant. The move is expected to further reduce Moscow's energy revenues.

The Bloomberg writes that the North Moon, North Ocean and North Light vessels are included in the EU's 17th set of sanctions. The vessels are operated by Tokyo-based Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd. a leading operator of LNG carriers.

The unexpected sanctions on the vessels of a prominent shipping company underscore the EU's increasing efforts to push Moscow to reach a peace deal with Ukraine. The EU recently banned the transshipment of Russian liquefied natural gas destined for Asia at European ports, so those operations were moved to the port of Murmansk. The decision, although it increased travel time to China, allowed Yamal LNG to continue shipping cargoes.

"The vessels are operated in such a way as to promote or support actions or policies to operate, develop or expand the energy sector in Russia, including energy infrastructure," the European Council said.

In turn, Mitsui OSK Lines confirmed that the three vessels are under its control.

"We intend to cooperate fully with the EU and Japanese governments in complying with the sanctions. We will consult with various parties and take appropriate measures," the company said in a statement.