Russia's shadow fleet expands as the Merkuriy, a Russian-flagged LNG tanker, begins loading sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 gas near Murmansk. The vessel switched flags and ownership to obscure entities earlier this year, exemplifying Moscow's strategy to circumvent Western restrictions on energy exports. This move capitalizes on soaring Asian demand and supply constraints from the Strait of Hormuz closure, with Russian shipments offered at steep discounts to spot prices. Three additional former Omani tankers have similarly switched to Russian flags and are heading to the Arctic region, suggesting a coordinated effort to boost LNG exports despite international sanctions. The expansion of Russia's dark fleet represents a significant challenge to Western enforcement mechanisms in the energy sector.
