Discover the Aleksey-Kosygin: Ratings & Maritime News

In a significant move to curb Russian aggression, the European Union has unveiled its 21st Sanctions Package against Russia on July 23, targeting additional vessels operating in the Arctic region. Notable among the newly blacklisted ships is the LNG tanker 'Aleksey Kosygin', previously engaged in transporting liquefied natural gas for Novatek's Arctic LNG 2 project along the Northern Sea Route. This vessel was frequently shuttling between Utrenneye in the Gulf of Ob and the Saam FSU located within Ura Bay. As of July 27, the 'Aleksey Kosygin' was spotted in the Bering Sea, purportedly on its way to the Koryak FSU in Bechevinskaya Bay, Kamchatka, with a cargo of LNG sourced from Arctic LNG 2. The sanctions package additionally targets over 100 banks and financial entities, multiple oil refineries, and more than 50 military-industrial companies, including vital players in the production of long-range drones for Russia. An extensive section of the blacklist comprises over 40 vessels linked to Russia's shadow fleet, many of which have been regular entrants to Arctic waters. Among these is the 'Luch' (IMO: 9317315), an LNG carrier with two decades of service, which was under the flag of Sierra Leone until recently, with ambiguities surrounding its ISM management. Notably, the vessel made a stop at the Kola Peninsula in May 2026, presumably loading LNG from the sanctioned FSU 'Saam'. The ownership of 'Luch' has experienced three name changes in 2026 alone, starting as 'Akit LNG' in January, transitioning to 'Lake LNG', before settling on its current designation in March. Other vessels facing sanctions include the 'Pioneer' (IMO: 9255282), a tanker that has routinely docked at Murmansk. Since July 2024, the ownership has transferred to Reliable Marine Solutions DMCC, a Dubai-registered entity. The 'Tavian' (IMO: 9147447), which faced a ban from German waters in early 2026, found its way north along the Norwegian coastline back to Murmansk, reportedly operating under a fictitious IMO number. Finally, the 'Andrei Pervovanniy' (IMO: 9255268), another significant vessel, has been involved in transportation to Pevek, an eastern Arctic town in Russia.

On January 26, 2026, the LNG carrier 'Aleksey Kosygin' made a significant arrival at the Utrenniy terminal, poised to load its first cargo from the Arctic LNG 2 project. This event marks a milestone following a two-week ice trial transit along the Northern Sea Route. The arrival of the vessel bolsters the winter export capabilities of Russia's flagship LNG project, which is currently under sanctions. During a portion of its journey, the 'Aleksey Kosygin' received assistance from the nuclear icebreaker 'Sibir'; however, they split in the later stages, allowing the LNG tanker to confidently navigate the final stretch of several hundred nautical miles in the Kara Sea independently. This unescorted achievement during the harsh winter conditions showcases the vessel's reliability and operational proficiency. The LNG carrier docked at Train 1 of the Arctic LNG 2 facility at approximately 8:00 a.m., representing the 29th cargo uplifted since production commenced in August 2024 and the sixth shipment during this winter season since December.

The newly launched Arc7 ice-class LNG tanker, named 'Alexey Kosygin', has embarked on its inaugural journey from Bolshoy Kamen, charting a course towards the Northern Sea Route (NSR). This move comes as state-owned Sovcomflot aims to deploy the vessel to bolster operations amid the sanctions affecting the Novatek Arctic LNG 2 (ALNG2) project. Just over a week ago, the tanker was officially delivered to Sovcomflot by the Zvezda shipyard. Its current trajectory leads north towards the NSR, specifically the Utrenniy terminal located on the Gydan Peninsula. To optimize operational readiness during the challenging winter months when traditional carriers cannot service the project, the vessel is expected to undergo ice trials during its journey. On its route to the Arctic, the 'Alexey Kosygin' made a stop alongside the Koryak Floating Storage Unit (FSU) on January 6, 2026, likely to conduct berthing tests and ship-to-ship operations with its new crew. Sovcomflot submitted an application for a Northern Sea Route permit on December 30, 2022, which was duly granted on January 5, 2023. This authorization allows the 'Alexey Kosygin' to navigate independently without an icebreaker through sections 1-28 of the NSR until January 31, providing an ample timeframe for conducting trials and connecting with the Arctic LNG 2 project. Furthermore, the permit includes a provision effective February 1, which permits independent operation in severe ice conditions through sections 1-7, the critical route from ALNG2 through Ob Bay into the Kara Sea and eventually to the Barents Sea transshipment hub. This timeline indicates a strategic plan for the LNG project to commence operations after February 1.

On December 24, 2025, the 'Alexei Kosigyn', the inaugural domestically constructed LNG carrier with an ice-class Arc7 rating, was officially delivered to Sovcomflot at the Zvezda Shipyard located in Bolshoy Kamen. This strategically significant vessel is poised to play a crucial role in bypassing sanctions within the Russian Arctic region. Just days later, on December 29, the 'Alexei Kosigyn' embarked on its maiden Arctic expedition, charting a course across the Northern Sea Route towards the Utrenny terminal situated on the Gydan Peninsula. Named after a prominent Communist leader recognized for his lengthy tenure in the Soviet Union, the tanker is set to transform logistics in the region. Following its initial journey, the vessel is expected to maintain a route back to the Gydan Peninsula and the Utrenny terminal. This operational shift indicates that the Saam Floating Storage Unit (FSU) is set to become a pivotal hub for Russia's sanctioned LNG shipments. Additionally, the renowned LNG tanker 'Christophe de Margerie' will operate shuttles between Gydan and Ura Bay to facilitate these transfers. On December 19, the 'shadow tanker' made a significant port call at the Utrenny terminal after completing a long and arduous journey across the ice-laden Northern Sea Route. Originally constructed to serve shipments from the Arctic LNG 2 project, the Saam FSU had remained inactive for over two years, highlighting the changing dynamics in the shipping landscape. As the 'Alexei Kosigyn' joins Russia's naval strategy in the Arctic, it may soon become instrumental in transporting resources linked to sanctioned natural gas infrastructure projects, further emphasizing the country's commitment to navigating global sanctions.