Japan has introduced a new package of sanctions against vessels linked to Moscow’s fleet, Japan’s foreign ministry announced on October 2.
The sanctions package, which targets 35 vessels, took effect on October 2 under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act.
The ships, described as linked to Moscow, now face restrictions on services and financing. The measure arrived alongside a broader list covering Russian companies and individuals.
Japan directly lists 35 IMO numbers instead of just listing the ship names.
The move puts Japan in step with European countries, which have been taking a tougher stance toward Russia.
Restrictions on service and capital transactions will take effect for the 35 specific vessels listed in the ministry of foreign affairs notice issued on October 2.
The provision of services, specified in the ministry of finance notice, to the vessels will require authorization, whilst permission will now be needed for the capital transactions connected to their sale, purchase, lease, or charter.
A permission system will be applied to capital transactions, including money loan and debt guarantee agreements, accompanying the sale and purchase, lease or charter of the 35 vessels.
These measures will be applied to the performance of obligations or the provision of services or benefits on or after October 2.
However, they will not be applied to the performance of obligations or the provision of services or benefits which are based on contracts concluded before October 2 and carried out before November 1.
The new restrictions introduced by the Japanese government also include asset freezes against 33 Russian companies and nine individuals.
Payments and capital transactions involving those designated will now require special authorization, including agreements related to trusts, money loans, and contracts of deposit.
Tokyo also imposed export restrictions on four designated entities based outside Russia and Belarus.
“In view of the current international situation over Ukraine, and for the purpose of contributing to the international efforts for achieving international peace aimed at a solution of the issue, in line with the measures taken by other major countries, the Government of Japan has introduced the following measures under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act, based on the Cabinet Understanding “Asset Freeze for individuals and entities of the Russian Federation and other measures” (as of October 2, 2026),” the statement said.
Japan’s measures come a day after the UK expanded its own sanctions against Russia. On October 1, London unveiled 31 new designations targeting LNG ‘shadow fleet’ vessels.
“The Russian state is attempting to build a dangerous new ‘shadow fleet’ to circumvent sanctions and sustain revenues from its gas exports. Today’s package targets several vessels acquired to support that effort, including some that entered service as recently as July this year,” the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said in its release.
The vessels sanctioned include three ‘shadow fleet’ vessels, two vessels providing them with bunkering services and three Russian-owned ice-class vessels.
The UK government said it led international efforts to crack down on Russia’s ‘shadow fleet,’ sanctioning nearly 600 tankers.
