- China-Linked LNG Vessel Taps Sanctioned Russian Gas Project.
- Beijing Moves to Import Blacklisted Russian LNG via Baltic Route.
- Chinese-Associated Tanker Loads LNG at Sanctioned Russian Facility.
A liquefied natural gas tanker with ties to Chinese interests has made its inaugural docking at a US-sanctioned Russian export terminal. This marks a significant step in the growing energy partnership between Moscow and Beijing, even in the face of Western restrictions, reports gCaptain.
Ownership Changes and Voyage Details
Earlier this year, the ownership and management of the vessel, named Kunpeng, were transferred to lesser-known companies based in China and the Marshall Islands. Ship-tracking data from Bloomberg indicates that it has now docked at the Portovaya LNG plant located in the Baltic Sea.
About the Portovaya LNG Project
Portovaya is a relatively small gas export facility run by Gazprom PJSC, which was sanctioned in January by the administration of former US President Joe Biden as part of efforts to target Russia’s energy exports.
China’s Sanctions Stance
China has consistently rejected unilateral Western sanctions and has been ramping up its imports of Russian energy products that have been blacklisted by the US and its allies. These shipments are frequently carried out by vessels from a so-called shadow fleet that operates outside of mainstream shipping networks.
First Chinese Import from Portovaya
This docking follows China’s first LNG shipment from the Portovaya facility earlier this month, indicating Beijing’s increasing willingness to source gas from Russian projects that are under sanctions.
Rising Pressure from Washington
This development comes as US President Donald Trump intensifies pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine. Washington is gearing up for a new round of sanctions aimed at Russia’s energy sector, which will include vessels associated with its shadow fleet, should President Vladimir Putin refuse to agree to a peace deal.
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Source: gCaptain
