SOURCE: AFI
In response to Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, the United States has taken further steps to impose costs on those supporting Russia’s war effort and attempting to expand Russia’s global energy leverage.
Today, the Department of State has targeted two entities and two vessels connected to the export of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the U.S.-sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project. The entities sanctioned are Gotik Energy Shipping Co (Gotik) and Plio Energy Cargo Shipping OPC PVT LTD (Plio Energy). Gotik and Plio Energy are the registered owner and commercial manager, respectively, of the LNG carrier (LNG/C) New Energy.
The LNG/C New Energy employed deceptive shipping practices, including turning off its automatic identification system, to load cargo from the U.S.-sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project via a ship-to-ship transfer on August 25, 2024. This transfer involved the LNG/C Pioneer, a vessel previously blocked by the United States on August 23, 2024.
Additionally, the Department has identified another vessel, LNG/C Mulan, managed and operated by Plio Energy, as property in which Plio Energy has an interest. Both Gotik and Plio Energy are registered in India.
These sanctions are part of the United States’ ongoing efforts to hold accountable those who are supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine and undermining global energy security. By targeting entities involved in the export of LNG from the Arctic LNG 2 project, the United States is sending a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated.