A sanctioned LNG cargo arrived at a terminal in southern China after departing a Baltic export facility targeted by U.S. restrictions earlier this year. The delivery marks the first publicly confirmed shipment from the sanctioned plant to China since January 2025.
Arrival at China’s Southern Terminal
The vessel reached the terminal on 8 December carrying LNG produced at a blacklisted facility. The terminal has increasingly handled similar sanctioned cargoes in recent months. Since August, it has received nearly 20 LNG shipments of Russian origin under various restrictions. Meanwhile, several additional cargoes are currently making their way toward the region.
Voyage and Routing Details
The shipment began on 25 October when the carrier left the Baltic. It continued broadcasting AIS signals throughout the voyage. This was notable because several other sanctioned-energy carriers have used AIS manipulation to obscure positions or origins. Additionally, the vessel chose the route around the Cape of Good Hope rather than using the Suez Canal, where some sanctioned carriers have recently resumed transit.
Previous Attempts and Ship-to-Ship Transfers
The terminal had not previously recorded a direct delivery from this sanctioned LNG source. However, a prior attempt took place in October through a ship-to-ship transfer off Malaysia involving a dark-fleet carrier and another vessel that later received the sanctioned cargo. That second vessel has not called at any Chinese port since the transfer. Satellite imagery last placed it south of Hainan, but its movements remain unclear.
Shift in Transparency and Signal Activity
The most recent delivery showed complete AIS visibility during the approach to the terminal. This stands in contrast to rising cases of spoofing linked to sanctioned energy shipping. The use of continuous signals indicates a more open transit pattern compared with earlier movements involving restricted cargoes.
Broader Implications for Energy Movements
The openly tracked arrival highlights a deepening flow of LNG between the two countries despite ongoing sanctions. The delivery also reinforces the terminal’s emerging role in receiving restricted energy shipments.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
