In November 2023 and February 2024, USA and United Kingdom respectively imposed sanctions on the russian Arctic LNG-2 project, which is of strategic importance for the government of the russian federation.
The vessel was involved in the transportation of fossil fuels from the Arctic LNG-2 facility in circumvention of sanctions, using a scheme of false AIS signalling in violation of international maritime law to conceal the vessel's true location.
Arctic LNG-2 is the second large-capacity project after Yamal LNG of the sanctioned Novatek (TIN 6316031581) for natural gas extraction and LNG production on the Gydan Peninsula.
On 23 August 2024, USA imposed sanctions on seven LNG tankers of the shadow russian tanker fleet, as part of the restrictions on entities supporting the development of the Arctic LNG-2 and other future energy projects.
In early August 2024, satellite imagery revealed that the vessel was located at the sanctioned Arctic LNG-2 project, with its AIS signal still north of Norway. The vessel was escorted by an icebreaker as it headed towards the Gulf of Ob and the gas project. On or about 06 August 2024, the vessel returned to its doctored position to integrate its transponder signal.