Russia sends non-ice class LNG carrier through Arctic amid sanctions

In California, gCaptian reports in a bid to bypass Western sanctions, Russian energy producer Novatek has dispatched the “Everest Energy”, a non-ice class LNG carrier, through the icy waters of the Northern Sea Route. This unprecedented move marks the first time a conventional vessel has attempted the Arctic passage, which is typically reserved for specialized ice-class ships. The “Everest Energy” sailed without a permit from Russia’s Northern Sea Route Administration and under a suspended Palauan flag, raising questions about the safety and legality of the voyage.

The voyage is part of Russia’s effort to maintain LNG exports to Asia despite U.S. sanctions that have stalled several LNG carriers from Novatek’s Arctic LNG 2 project. Hervé Baudu, an Arctic shipping expert, highlighted the risks posed by drifting ice and unpredictable conditions in the Arctic, particularly around Wrangel Island, where the “Everest Energy” is headed.

The ship is part of a larger shadow fleet attempting to deliver sanctioned LNG to markets beyond the reach of U.S. restrictions. This comes after U.S. sanctions targeted nine LNG carriers linked to the project, with Palau suspending the flags of several vessels, complicating their navigation through regulated international waters such as the Suez Canal.

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