The flow of Russian LNG into China continues despite mounting US sanctions. On September 12, the Buran became the fourth sanctioned Russian carrier to arrive at the Tieshan terminal in Beihai, Guangxi. Its arrival highlights China’s growing intake of cargoes from the Arctic LNG 2 project, even as Washington warns of “significant sanctions risks” for entities doing business with the project.
Rising Shipments from Arctic LNG 2 to China
The Buran formerly known as North Air arrived at Beihai at 0503 GMT on September 12 with a draft of 11.6 meters, carrying LNG partly sourced from Murmansk and partly from Arctic LNG 2.
Its arrival came just two days after the Zarya departed the same terminal, having discharged its cargo. Other sanctioned vessels, including the Voskhod and Arctic Mulan, also recently discharged LNG at Beihai. This pattern indicates a steady inflow of Russian LNG into southern China since late August.
Sanctions Pressure Versus China’s Energy Demand
The US has reiterated its position that Arctic LNG 2 faces strict sanctions, warning that companies and financial institutions engaging with the project risk punitive measures.
Despite these threats, China continues to leverage its Beihai LNG terminal operated by PipeChina, a consortium of PetroChina, Sinopec, and CNOOC to receive shipments. With a receiving capacity of 6 million metric tons per year and advanced berthing infrastructure, Beihai is strategically positioned to handle growing Russian LNG flows.
The arrival of the Buran underscores China’s willingness to maintain energy ties with Russia despite international sanctions pressure. While the US intensifies its crackdown on Arctic LNG 2, Beijing’s reliance on Russian LNG for energy security highlights the broader geopolitical tensions shaping global energy trade. The future of these shipments will depend on whether China prioritizes sanctions compliance or its energy needs in the months ahead.
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Source: S&P GLOBAL
