What Crew Members Say About Andromeda

In a strategic move to sidestep sanctions, several Russian vessels listed by the European Union (EU) have recently undergone name changes and reflagging. This tactic aims to obscure their identities as they navigate through European waters. Currently, the EU maintains a sanctions list that comprises 557 vessels directly linked to Russia and Belarus, effectively barring them from entering EU ports. One notable example is the former vessel 'Mianzimu' (IMO: 9299666), which was added to the sanctions list in 2024. This ship has now been reflagged under the Gambian registry and renamed 'Dashan', and it is presently sailing from Turkey to Russia. Another vessel, the 'Alissa' (IMO: 9273052), has transformed into 'Soufia 1' under the Swaziland flag and is currently located in Singaporean territory. Similarly, the ship known as 'Delvina' (IMO: 9331153), previously called 'Galian 2', now flies the Comoros flag. Additional vessels that have appeared on the sanctions list since 2024 are also evading regulatory scrutiny, including the 'Andromeda', which is now sailing as 'Amazon' under the Omani flag, traversing the North Sea en route from Russia to Egypt. The 'Marabella Sun' (IMO: 9323376), presently navigating the North Sea from Yalova to Primorsk, has also reflagged to Gambia—a common choice for Russian-owned ships seeking anonymity. Similarly, the 'Phoenix' (IMO: 9333424), which is now operating as the 'Photon', is en route from Turkey to Tangier while flying the Gambian flag. Additionally, the 'Pioneer' (IMO: 9255282), which went through past names including 'Futura' and 'Sehnaz Ka', is currently making its way off the coast of Norway, traveling from a Gulf of Finland port to Sabetta in northern Russia, with an estimated arrival date of December 11. These developments underline the ongoing challenges the EU faces in enforcing sanctions, as Russian maritime entities adapt by changing their identities to remain operational in European waters.

The oil tanker 'Amazon', known as part of Russia's elusive ghost fleet, was spotted sailing close to the Cádiz coastline on the morning of November 12. This sanctioned vessel, blocked by the United States, Switzerland, and Canada for its ties to Russian operations, is reportedly en route from Algiers to Primorsk. The ship is anticipated to reach its Russian destination on November 21, following a passage through the strategically important Strait of Gibraltar, a frequent transit route for vessels involved in circumventing sanctions against Russia stemming from its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Since the onset of the war, maritime movement in this region has been marked by frequent sightings of vessels carrying oil and other critical supplies for Russia. To dodge EU and US oversight, many of these so-called shadow fleet ships routinely change their names and flags. Currently, the 'Amazon' is registered under the flag of Oman; however, just six months prior, it was sailing under the flag of the Comoros Islands. Previously known as 'Andromeda' last August 2024, it had at that time displayed a Barbadian flag. The 'Amazon' has been listed under EU sanctions since December 17, 2024, recognized for carrying petroleum products from Russia in violation of imposed trade restrictions. The European Union's sanction framework emphasizes that vessels like the 'Amazon' engage in illegal maritime operations as defined by the International Maritime Organization's Resolution A.1192 (33). Despite the EU and US embargoes on Russian crude oil, the 'Amazon' continues its operations, supported by the Russian state-owned shipping enterprise, Sovcomflot (SCF). Although the visible branding of SCF has diminished in recent images, this significant player in global oil and gas transport remains integral to the logistics of Russian hydrocarbons, working closely with domestic energy firms. The strategic shift to foreign-registered companies and even tax havens underpins how these vessels evade scrutiny from Western authorities. The 'Amazon' serves as a case study of these ongoing tactics, prominently operating in the maritime landscape despite its lack of Russian flag registration.

On December 16, 2024, during a crucial Foreign Affairs Council meeting, the European Union unveiled its latest sanctions package, which includes the addition of 52 new vessels to the sanctions list. Among these is the ship 'Andromeda', identified by the EU as contributing to the support of Russia’s military operations. Many of the newly sanctioned vessels are involved in activities aimed at bypassing the oil price cap established by Western nations, facilitating arms deliveries, and transporting pilfered grain. This new set of sanctions has escalated the total count of vessels sanctioned by the EU to 79, primarily targeting those engaged in the transportation of Russian oil and military supplies. In addition to vessels, the sanctions package also encompasses 54 individuals and 30 entities believed to be enhancing Russia’s military firepower. Notably, this includes several entities and figures from China and North Korea accused of providing dual-use materials to support Russian military strategies. Among the targeted individuals are two high-ranking North Korean officials and seven Chinese entities, all under scrutiny in the aftermath of this expanded sanctions effort. The overarching goal of these sanctions is to elevate the operational costs for Russia, effectively barring its ships from EU ports and limiting access to essential maritime services.