Two analytics firms report that a sanctioned LNG tanker picked up a cargo at a Russian export terminal, which was also subject to Western restrictions.

The transfer appears to be the very first STS of Russian LNG sanctioned by the West, despite Western attempts to limit Moscow's energy revenue due to its war in Ukraine.

The LNG tanker Perle was carrying a cargo to the Russian export terminal at Portovaya in the Baltic Sea.

According to estimates from Kpler and Vortexa, citing satellite images, automatic identification system data (AIS), and vessel draught change, the Perle transferred cargo onto the tanker CCH Gas off the east coast peninsular Malaysian and north of Singapore between October 17-24.

Kpler data indicated that the ships were in close proximity starting on 18 October and again on 23 October. Kpler analyst Go Katayama believes that the transfer likely took place on that date, as the Perle’s draught or depth in water changed on October 24. This confirmed the STS discharge to CCH Gas.

Ashley Sherman, senior LNG analyst at Vortexa, estimated that the transfer occurred between October 17-18. However, she added that STS operations can last for several days and the vessels appeared to be side-by-side on October 23.

Sherman stated that "the proximity of the ships was typical of a STS transfer in what is now a well-known STS for the shadow fleet."

Kpler data shows that after the transfer the Perle has traveled north through the Straits of Malacca, and is now heading towards the Indian Ocean. Kpler data shows that CCH Gas is a tanker which is not sanctioned and is anchored off the coasts of Peninsular Malaysia, near the area where the STS took place.

Gazprom LNG Portovaya, LLC, the operator of the Portovaya Terminal, did not respond immediately to a comment request on the transfer.

Washington sanctioned in January the Portovaya LNG terminals, their operators and their owners with effect from February 27.

According to Kpler, the Perle departed Portovaya with its cargo on February 13 and sat around the terminal for a few days before heading south, around Cape of Good Hope, in July. It reached Southeast Asia in August.

Sherman, a Vortexa spokesperson, said that the Perle was in the South China Sea between August and this month.

The shipping database Equasis shows that the Perle is registered with Nephrite Shipping Inc. and Dreamer Shipmanagement LLC FZ as its commercial manager. Both have registered addresses in Dubai.

Equasis lists CCH-1 Shipping Co Ltd as the registered owner, ship or commercial manager of CCH Gas. The registered address is Hong Kong.

Could not find any contact information for Nephrite Shipping Inc., Dreamer Shipmanagement LLC FZ or CCH-1 Shipping Co Ltd.

(source: Reuters)