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The United Kingdom has intensified its sanctions against Russia, unveiling a comprehensive package aimed at shipping, banking, and industrial sectors. This recent action includes six vessels implicated in the transport of Russian energy exports, alongside an India-based ship management firm. On August 6, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office disclosed 19 new additions to its Russia sanctions list, encompassing ships, companies, financial institutions, and a designated individual. A focal point of these maritime measures is the 'Arctic Express' (IMO: 9333591), which is alleged to have facilitated the transportation of liquefied natural gas sourced from Russia to other nations. The vessel is currently operating under the Russian flag and is managed by SMP Tech Management LLP. Frion Ship Management LLP, a ship management entity based in Mumbai, was also sanctioned for purportedly aiding the transition of the 'Arctic Express' to Russian ownership. As part of the sanctions, the company is now subject to an asset freeze, restrictions on trust services, disqualification of directors, and transport sanctions. The UK additionally imposed shipping restrictions on five oil tankers known to have transported Russian crude oil or petroleum products to various countries: - 'Perseas' (IMO: 9326811), alleged to be under the San Marino flag. - 'Torvian' (IMO: 9470131), reportedly registered in Barbados. - 'Asteras' (IMO: 9402263), purportedly registered in Palau. - 'Visund' (IMO: 9378864), also believed to be registered in Palau. - 'Zenturo' (IMO: 9346885), which is said to be registered in Barbados. According to the UK’s specific ship sanctions, these vessels are barred from entering UK ports, may be detained, and cannot be chartered or operated by UK entities. Furthermore, they face stringent regulations on various maritime services, including chartering, brokering, technical support, financing, and crew services. This sanctions package also targets Northern Engineering LLC, an operator within Russia’s critical energy sector, four industrial firms implicated in supplying materials or technologies contributing to Russia’s military efforts, and five Russian financial institutions—including Ozon Bank and the Russian Export-Import Bank—which are facing asset freezes and correspondent banking limitations. These latest sanctions reflect the UK’s ongoing commitment to disrupting maritime operations that enable Russian energy exports. Since the onset of the Ukraine invasion, the UK has increasingly employed shipping-specific sanctions to target vessels, operators, and service providers involved in the global transportation of Russian oil and LNG.

In a significant operation, the Nigerian Navy has successfully seized 17 vessels believed to be carrying stolen crude oil. This intervention was executed by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Thunder in conjunction with seven additional naval ships during an extensive military fleet evaluation named Exercise Farauta, which translates to 'hunting.' The operation took place near the Bonny and Bonga oil platforms, located in Rivers and Delta states. From November 11 to 17, a formidable assembly of eight warships, including the Thunder, along with six gunboats, a maritime patrol aircraft, and over 400 naval personnel joined forces in the Gulf of Guinea. Investigations are currently underway concerning several suspected vessels, including MT Garroch, MT Energy, and MV Gulf Sisan. Notably, the MT Androussa and MT Aegean Horizon have been detained for deeper inquiries into their operations.