Russia has begun building a reserve “shadow fleet” of tankers to transport liquefied natural gas (LNG), Ukraine’s foreign intelligence service said recently.
The intelligence service said the kremlin’s key goal is to prepare in time for the European Union’s sweeping sanctions, which will take effect on January 1, 2027.
“The new restrictions will completely block Russian vessels’ access to European terminals. This is forcing Moscow to seek workarounds in order to maintain current gas export volumes and financing of the state budget at any cost,” the intelligence service highlighted.
The agency claims six old gas tankers have entered the Russian market in the past months.
In addition, between February 2024 and May 2025, seven similar vessels were acquired through front companies.
In the first quarter of 2026, Russia reportedly purchased four LNG carriers from a Middle Eastern owner.
All four vessels, each more than 19 years old, are already being used to transport Russian LNG.
Overall, Russia’s “shadow LNG fleet” has grown to about 23 vessels.
“The use of worn-out, aging vessels without proper international insurance or technical inspections allows Russia to partially circumvent restrictions,” the agency added.
Windward has identified six LNG carriers, all aged 19 years or older, that have been sold and then deployed to Russian LNG trades over the past five months.
The company has also identified a further seven ageing LNG carriers acquired by anonymous entities between February 2024 and May 2025 that subsequently entered the Russian LNG trades.
Combined with ten newbuild LNG carriers delivered to state-controlled Russian shipowners, Windward estimates Russia’s LNG shadow fleet now totals an estimated 23 vessels, assembled ahead of tougher EU sanctions on the LNG sector that take effect January 1, 2027.
“The behavioral signature across the purchased vessels is consistent,” Windward says. “Elderly ships, typically 19 years or older, beyond the age at which mainstream LNG operators would maintain them in fleet. Acquired from third-country sellers, often through opaque ownership structures. Deployed into Russian LNG trade shortly after purchase. Operating without the insurance, safety, and certification frameworks that mainstream LNG carriers maintain.”
Windward argues the acquisitions are being driven by preparations for the January 2027 European Union’s tougher sanctions.
“The vessels Russia is acquiring today are the vessels EU authorities will be tracking on January 1, 2027,” Windward warns.
