Newly Russian-Flagged LNG Tankers Point to Dark Fleet Expansion

Four liquefied natural gas tankers that recently changed flags to Russia appear to be heading toward the Arctic, indicating they may be part of Moscow’s efforts to expand exports from US-sanctioned projects.

The vessels — Kosmos, Luch, Orion and Merkuriy — are heading north in the Atlantic, with one signaling Murmansk in western Russia, according to tracking data. That port is near the Saam floating gas storage unit that holds exports from the Arctic LNG 2 project, which is sanctioned by the US.