Read Authentic Ratings for the Phoenix

Numerous Russian vessels that are currently listed under the European Union's sanctions have recently undertaken name changes and switched flags in a bid to elude detection. These ships, often referred to as part of a 'shadow fleet,' are operating within European waters despite being barred from entry into EU ports. The EU sanctions list now comprises 557 vessels associated with Russia and Belarus, each facing restrictions due to their affiliations. A notable example is the 'Mianzimu' (IMO: 9299666), which was flagged for sanctions in 2024. This vessel has since reflagged to the Gambian registry and been renamed 'Dashan,' and is now making its way from Turkey back to Russia. Similarly, the 'Alissa' (IMO: 9273052) has rebranded itself as 'Soufia 1' and is currently sailing under the Swaziland flag, navigating through Singaporean waters. Another vessel, the 'Delvina' (IMO: 9331153), previously named 'Galian 2,' has adopted the Comoros flag. Many vessels have been found operating in European waters only since being added to the sanctions list in 2024, often under newly assumed names and flags. For instance, the ship formerly known as 'Andromeda' is now dubbed 'Amazon' and sails with the Omani flag, currently traversing the North Sea from Russia to Egypt. The 'Marabella Sun' (IMO: 9323376), which is currently on its route from Yalova toward the Russian port of Primorsk, has also undergone a name change and reflagging. It now sails as 'Chariot Ride' under the Gambian flag, a registry frequently employed by Russian operators as a veil for their activities. Lastly, the 'Phoenix,' now known as 'Photon,' is operating under a Gambian flag while traveling from Turkey to Tangier. The 'Pioneer' (IMO: 9255282), which started its journey as 'Futura' and briefly went by 'Sehnaz Ka,' is presently off the coast of Norway, making its way from a Russian port in the Gulf of Finland to the port of Sabetta in northern Russia, with an estimated time of arrival on December 11. This trend of name and flag changes demonstrates Russia's ongoing attempts to navigate around sanctions imposed by the EU.

On December 16, 2024, the European Union enforced its latest sanctions package during the Foreign Affairs Council meeting, adding 52 ships, including the vessel 'Phoenix', to its growing sanctions list. These measures aim to disrupt entities supporting Russia's military activities amid ongoing conflict. The sanctioned vessels are primarily implicated in evading the oil price cap introduced by Western nations, facilitating arms deliveries, and transporting illegally obtained grain. With this recent addition, the total number of ships sanctioned by the EU now stands at 79, predominantly linked to the transportation of Russian oil and military supplies for the Russian armed forces. Furthermore, the sanctions package encompasses 54 individuals and 30 entities believed to be contributing to Russia's war efforts. Notably, this includes targets from China and North Korea, who are suspected of providing dual-use materials to aid Russia's military operations. Within this latest wave of sanctions, two high-ranking North Korean officials and seven individuals and companies from China have been specifically identified. The overall aim of these sanctions is to elevate operational costs for Russia by prohibiting access to EU ports and obstructing maritime service provisions.