Several tankers have delivered gas condensate from Russia’s Arctic LNG 2 project to China despite Western sanctions on the vessels and the project. The cargo, a by-product of liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, is used as a refinery feedstock and for blending with heavier crude oils.
Key Shipments and Sanctioned Vessels
Data from LSEG ship-tracking and market sources show that at least nine LNG 2 cargoes have reached China since late August. Notable shipments include:
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Elise (Palau-flagged): Loaded ~60,000 tonnes at Vitino on August 12, delivered to Gulei, China; sanctioned by the UK, Canada, EU, and Switzerland.
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Nexus (Gambia-flagged): Departed Vitino with ~43,000 tonnes on August 29, en route to China.
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Universal: Under US and EU sanctions, loaded ~44,000 tonnes directly from Arctic LNG 2 and navigated the Northern Sea Route (NSR) with subsequent STS transfers to vessels including the Comoros-flagged Noble.
Novatek, which owns 60% of Arctic LNG 2, denies using sanctioned tankers for shipments from the plant.
Strategic Route: Northern Sea Route
The NSR, running along Russia’s Arctic coastline, offers a faster alternative to the Suez Canal, cutting transit time by up to 10 days for shipments from Russian ports to China. In September and October, Universal utilized this route for multiple condensate deliveries, demonstrating its growing role in Arctic shipping logistics.
Despite Western sanctions, Russian Arctic LNG 2 gas condensate continues to reach China, supported by strategic use of the Northern Sea Route and STS transfers. The shipments highlight the ongoing complexities of global energy trade amid geopolitical restrictions and underscore the adaptability of Russian export logistics.
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Source: BAIRD MARITIME
