What is the significance of the LNG tanker Merkuriy loading cargo from the Saam facility near Murmansk?

The Merkuriy, a newly accepted Russian LNG tanker, loaded a cargo from the Saam floating storage facility near Murmansk on May 9 — a facility used to trans-ship gas from the Arctic LNG 2 project, which is under U.S. sanctions. This marks the vessel’s operational debut in Russia’s sanctioned LNG export chain.

Why is Russia adding older LNG carriers like Merkuriy, Orion, Luch, and Kosmos to its fleet?

Russia added four LNG carriers — Orion, Luch, Merkuriy, and Kosmos — to its fleet in recent months; all were built between 2005 and 2006, transferred to new owners, and reflagged under Russia, likely as a workaround to circumvent international restrictions on acquiring newer vessels amid U.S. sanctions targeting Arctic LNG 2 and broader energy trade.

Russia's newly-accepted tanker starts operations at project under US sanctions, data shows

May 12, 2026

LSEG data confirms Russia's LNG tanker Merkuriy loaded cargo from the sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project. Moscow is expanding its fleet to circumvent EU bans while India declines sanctioned LNG offers.

reuters

2026-05-05

Russia's LNG Exports Up 8.6% in January to April, Data Shows

2026-05-12

Russia's newly-accepted tanker starts operations at project under US sanctions, data shows

2026-06-01

Russia's LNG Exports Rise 11.5% in January to May, Data Shows

2026-08-27

Total Eyes $1.3 Billion Loan Repayment as It Exits Arctic LNG 2

2026-09-08

Russia's Arctic LNG 2 Seeks $1 Billion Damages from South Korea's Hanwha

Russia's newly-accepted tanker starts operations at project under US sanctions, data shows

FAQ