A network of companies from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia has been accused of refueling tankers belonging to Russia’s “shadow fleet” — vessels used to transport Russian oil in circumvention of international sanctions. The findings were published in an investigation by Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT).
Between June 2024 and March 2025, two bunker vessels owned by the companies — Rina and Zircon — reportedly refueled 177 tankers, at least 159 of which had entered Russian ports either immediately before or after the refueling operations. Among the clients were tankers that were later added to EU, UK, or U.S. sanctions lists, or identified as part of the Russian shadow fleet.
Formally, the bunkering operations did not violate European law, as Rina and Zircon did not service vessels already under sanctions. However, Lithuanian authorities described such activities as a threat to the effectiveness of the sanctions regime.
