Cool-Rider Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

In a strategic move aimed at circumventing international sanctions, Russia has deployed the 'Arctic Express' to facilitate the transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the controversial Arctic LNG 2 project. This tanker recently took on its first load at the Saam floating storage facility located in the Murmansk region, where LNG from the Arctic LNG 2 initiative is kept. Both the Saam facility and the Arctic LNG 2 project have been subjected to U.S. sanctions, highlighting the challenges Russia faces in its export endeavors. The 'Arctic Express' has been operational under the management of SMP Techmanagement LLC, based in St. Petersburg, since May 2026 and is registered under the Russian flag. This management company also oversees three additional vessels dedicated to LNG transport, constituting a part of Russia's expanding shadow fleet. Notably, at least 21 vessels are currently engaged in transporting LNG from various sanctioned Russian projects. However, the ongoing challenge remains a limited number of ships that can effectively deliver the gas to overseas buyers. To bolster its maritime capabilities, Russia has incorporated four more tankers into its shadow fleet in 2026, previously utilized at an export facility in Oman. This expansion signifies Moscow's determination to maintain its LNG exports amidst relentless Western restrictions.